Gc
974.102
H24r
114069 6
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC.UBRARY
3 1833 01187 1321
Digitized by
the Internet Archive
in 2014
https://archive.org/details/earlysettlersofhOOridl_0
EARLY SETTLERS
—OP—
HMRISON, MAINE,
—WITH AN—
HISTOEIOAL SKETCH OF THE SETTLEMENT,
PROGKESS AND PRESENT CONDITION OF
THE TOWN.
By Rev. G. t. Rid^qn.
SKOWHEGAN : fv\c.,
KILBY & WOODBURY, Printers.
1877.
1140696
TO THE EEADER.
This humble vohime makes no pretensions to be a history
of the town of Harrison from its settlement to the present
time. It was not my purpose when compiling the geneal-
ogies of the pioneer families of the town, to give any
account of the settlement and growth of the town other
than was closely associated with the history of families ;
but many representatives of the families wihiose pedigrees
I have made out, expressed a desire to see a sketch of the
town history in the work when published. I must say
that neither my time nor means would admit of an attempt
to prepare a complete history of the town 5 and, besides,
such a work should begin with the early history of
Bridgton and Otisfield, towns from which Harrison was
made. I wiU here say that I have gathered a considera-
ble amount of material which would properly come within
the scope of the history of the towns before mentioned, and
shall be glad to assist any competent person in preparing
such a work. The material found in the genealogical de-
partment of this work has been gathered from a wide field.
I have spent days in listening to the aged people, as they
recounted events connected with the early settlement of
the town, in which they enacted a part, or were witnesses
of J and these I have noted down for permanent preser-
vation. The records of the old families have been gath-
ered from family registers, old bibles, wills, deeds, inven-
tories, petitions, grave-stones and the town records. Much
has been gathered from distant parts by correspondence.
Great care and patience have been exercised to avoid
mistakes in dates. Where discrepencies were known to
exist, I have searched diligently for the "bottom facts."
Those who have iDrovided records must bear the respon-
sibility of their correctness j I have copied such verhatim.
PREFACE XOTE.
No doubt errors will be found and corrected in the future ;
but it is believed the jienealogies will be found nearly
correct. Xeai ly all of the old pioneers have passed away,
and wouhl liave left but little by which their history
could have been known, but for the exertions of the
author to note down such incidents as they were recount-
ed, before their memories were impaired. The meagre
records of the town have nearly faded out by lapse ot
time, (those relating to its eai-ly history) and will soon be
illegible ; the old tomb-stones are moss-grown and crumb-
ling: old docTunents have been destroyed by vermin or
sold to the tin-jx'dler, and in a few more years nothing
wouhl have been found for the basis of a town history
but faint and fragnu'utary traditions. The author has
not been iusj)ired to his self-imposed undertaking by the
ju ide of birthright, for he is only a townsman by adop-
tion: he has not driven his horse over the hills and
through the dee]) snows when gathering the statistics for
this work, for i)ecuniary considerations, as all know who
are accjuainted with the expense of comi)iling aiul pub-
lishing such a work ; he has not prosecuted the task with
the i»ersistency and discrimination which it has demand-
ed, with the exi)ectation of receiving the thanks of the
present towns-people, for so few a])preciate a work of its
elass sulhciently as to regard the time devoted to it but
foolishly emidoyed ; but the work has been carried for-
ward under an imjx'tus of inborn int^'rest in the perma-
nent preservation of the annals and records of towns and
lainilies. While others have been sleei)ing, much now
Ibund in this little book was arranged and comi)osed.
The work is too limite<l in seo])e to give jdace to any old
(hM'uments ; it has been condensed as nnich as possible and
be s])eei(ic. I sincerely hope that some comi)etent histo-
rian will consult the i)roi)rietors' records of Otistield, and
otiier documentary 4'vidence, and write a detailed and
:Millientic history of the towns of liridgton, Otislield and
ii;inison; lor these towns are so intimately associated hi
hislorical interest that the hist<uy of one must be, in part,
the history of the other. There is this comforting tliought
PEEFACE NOTE.
about my work, viz : That my undertaking lias been a
commendable one ; that I have done all in my power,
with my means, to make it reliable, and that it will, like
wine, grow richer and be bettei appreciated in the future
than at present. Those who know the least about the
magnitude of my work, and the difficulties with which
one of its class is attended, will haA'^e the least patience
with any erroi'S they may discover ; while those who have
had experience in such work will i^roperly appreciate
what I have accomplished. With the hope that the ma-
terial incorporated in this book may prove of value to
ttie families whose records it preserves, and to future
writers as a reference, I commit it to the public.
G. T. EIDLON,
Harrison, Maine.
August 1, 1877.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
HISTORICAL SKETCH 7
OUR PIONEER FAMILIES 20
ABBOTT FAMLLY 24
BISBEE " 25
BENNETT " ^ 25
BOLSTER T 26
BRAY " 28
BURNHAM " 31
BRACKETT " 34
CHAPLIN " 37
CHADBOURNE 38
ANOTHER " 41
CARSLEY " 43
CASWELL 50
CUMMINGS 54
DAWES " 55
EMERSON " 57
FOSTER " 59
GAMMON " 64
GILSON " 64
GRAY " .. 67
HALL " 68
HOWARD " 70
HOBBS " 72
HASKELL " 74
HARMON " 76
HARMON " , 79
INGALLS " . 82
ANOTHER " 82
JOHNSON " 83
KNEELAND " 86
KILBOURN " 90
LAKIN " 91
LAMB " 93
LEWIS " 93
LOWELL " 95
NEWCOMB " 97
NEAL " 97
PACKARD " 98
PITTS " 99
PHINNEY " 100
PLAISTED " 102
PEIRCE 102
PERLEY " 104
RUSSELL 103
ROSS " 106
SCRIBNER " 107
ANOTHER I' . , 109
STRICKLAND *. *. *. '. * * *. *, *. *. *. HO
STEWART " Ill
SAMPSON 114
SPRINGER " 117
STILES " 117
THOMS " 118
ANOTHER " 119
TRAFTON " , 120
WALKER " 121
WATSON " 125
WOODSUM 127
WHITEMORE 13o
WITHAM " , ... 131
WILLARD " 133
WHITNEY " . 136
I
#
I
HISTOEIOAL SKETCH.
The town of Harrison, named in honor of the Hon.
Harrison Gray Otis, of Boston, was taken from the
towns of Bridgton and Otisfield j the former town was
granted to soldiers who were in the Canada expedition
of 1690, and confirmed to them in 1765. The town was
originally called Pondicherry, and was afterwards named
for Moody Bridges, Esq. Otisfield was granted to
Hon. James Otis, Nathaniel Gorham, and the other
heirs of Oapt. John Gorham, June 14, 1777, for services
against Canada, in 1770.
In 1805, that part of Bridgton lying on the east side of
Long Pond, containing about 8500 acres, was taken off to
form, in part, the new town of Harrison, and, united with
that part of Otisfield on the west side of Crooked Eiver,
was incorporated into a town, March 8, 1805.
When the first explorers, and early settlers, came into
the township they found it a dense wilderness. There
were no marks of the woodman's axe, or prints of the
white man's foot ; no sound was heard to disturb the aw-
ful silence of the primeval solitudes, save the music of
the waterfall, and the scream of wild beasts ; and the
only thing to guide them, or to help them on their way,
were the Indian trails.
The first settlers who established themselves on the
town lands, were men weU adapted to the work of the
pioneer; descended from the Puritan stock of the old
colony of Plymouth, and born during the dark days of
8
HARRISOX, MAINE.
tlie Indian wars ; skilled in woodcraft, and acquainted
with liardsliii)S and the use of the musket from childhood,
they were calculated to endure the deprivations that are
incident to the settlement of a new country.
Several of the first settlers were born in the old fort at
Gorham, when their parents had taken shelter there to
save themselves from the torch and scalping-kuife of the
treacherous red men ; and were reared at a time when
their parents could onl}' cultivate their growing crops,
or attend the worship of God under arms; when the
nu)thers dare not leave the cradles of their sleeping in-
fants for a monuMit, lest they should be snatched away
and borne to the wigwam of the savage. Uuder constant
apprehension of danger, and trained to watch every bush
and brake with discriminating vigilance, these children,
grew to be men and women of courage, fortitude and
stroug nerves, invested with strong constitutions, and
cai)able of great endurance.
The woods everywhere abounded Avith game, and the
waters with fish, so that the pioneers could provide for
the necessities of their families until their ground would
\ ield a sufficient harvest to depend upon as the basis of
sui)ply; and for several years much of the lining was
taken by the rifle and trap. Bears and wolves were con-
.staiitly destroying the growing corn, oi* stealing from the
she('i) fold, and the settlers were compelled to hunt these
marauders as a means of extermination, as well as to
furnish nunit for their tables.
Tliere were tinu's when the early settlers suffered ex-
tremely from cold, exposure and hunger; and a less
courageous and determined i)eople would have deserted
for more populous districts. Tlie wives and mothers
HISTOEIOAL SKETCH.
9
shared in all tlie interests and hardships of their hus-
bands ■', they worked in the fields, went to mill, and made
the cloth for their own and family's wear. Before mills
were built, corn was pounded into samp, and boiled with
milk for food.
The first houses were built of logs, and chinked with
moss ; the roof covered with bark ; the floors, if any,
were usually of hewn logs, and the fire-places of stones,
rudely made, and the chimney-tops made of sticks of
wood. In these primitive dwellings the family lived,
worked and slept and by their rough hearth-stones many
of our towns-people were reared, who have since enjoyed
all the comforts of the well arranged modern homes.
As soon as mills were in operation, and the clearings
were sufaciently productive to provide comfortable family
support, tlie log-house gave place to the frame, and
weather-boarded dwelling ; and its rude furnishings to
the more pretentious conveniences of prosperous times.
But the settlers and their families had to be industrious
to provide for the immediate demands of every-day life ;
the noise of the spinning-wheel and the loom from the
inside, and that of the axe and flax-brake on the outside,
were the sounds that awoke the children in those days,
instead of the piano and organ oi our days. The parents
had but few books and but little leisure to read them ;
and the children had few advantages for learning letters ;
many of them learned to write on birch harlc.
The first settler in town was John Carsley, from Gor-
ham, a descendant of a Puritan family in old Plymouth
Colony ; he opened a clearing on the ridge, near where
Mr. George Cummings now lives, but on the opposite
side of the road that leads to the old Baptist Meeting
10
House. A brother of John, Nathan Carsley, and a
brother-in-law, James Watson, came into town abotit
the same time j the former settled just below^his brother
John's clearing, and the latter, about one mile below the
village, on the '^Pond Road." It has been a matter of dis-
pute, whether ^^athan Carsley or James Watson built
the first /r«»??e house in this town, but fiom the best evi-
dences to be obtained, I conclude that Watson's was built
first. The boards were sawed in Waterford, and Mr.
Watson's place was verj^ much nearer the mill, and more
easily reached with a team than Mr. Carsley's ; besides
some of the old people have informed me that they heard
Mr. Watson say his house was the first erected.
The Carsleys came into town and fell trees in the au-
tumn prcAious to their removal ; and after building some
rude "Sugar Camps" they returned to Gorham. In the
following March, 1793, they came into town with their
wives and made maple sugar — and that was not all, for
Nathan's wife, who had been drawn over the snow on a
hand-sled by her husband from Otisfield, gave birth to a
child during their sojourn here — the first child born in
the town. They returned to Gorham, and remained there
until their second child was born, 1796. It is believed
that the brothers planted corn and erected substantial
log-houses while their families were in Gorham j and by
some that they did not permanently locate until 1796-7;
other of tlieold people claim, however, that John Cars-
ley and wife never returned to Gorham after their first
coming into this town, which statement is probably true,
as he was marrie<l in 1790, and there are no records of
birtlis of his children in Gorham; hence I think they
came into town in the spring of 1793, and became per-
mSTOEIOAL SKETCH.
11
manent residents here. Other Gorham families followed
soon after, and families from Bridgton, and Minot, set-
tled in town quite early.
The town was surveyed and "lotted" by Benjamin
Kimball, Jr., of Bridgton, (that part which was then in
Bridgton) in 1793. There were fourteen lots granted to
the early settlers, located on the easterly side of Long
Poncl, called '^merited lots,^^ in June, 1782; but these were
not run out until 1793, when all that part of Bridgton
lying north and east of Long Pond, was laid out by Mr.
Kimball into ninety lots, of about ninety acres each, (old
survey) and was called the "Second Division." Four of
the poorest of these lots were set aside as blank lots ; and
of the remaining eighty-six, one was drawn to the holder
of each of the eighty-six diJBferent rights. For perform-
ing this service, Mr. Kimball received fifty acres of land,
which he selected at the outlet of Anonymous Pond —
where the village is now situated.
That part of Harrison that was taken from Otisfield,
was surveyed and "lotted" by GtEORGB Peibce, Esq.,
the Proprietors' Agent for the latter town, and a large
part of the territory was then owned by that gentleman.
The road that leads from the village to the south part of
the town, by the Methodist Meeting House, is on the o-
riginal line between Bridgton and Otisfield. Many of the
old deeds show that the Perley family were heavy
owners in that part of the town, which was taken from
Bridgton. The first settlers in the south part of the town
were Capt. Benjamin Foster, and Maj. Jacob Emer-
son. The first town meeting was held at the house of
Note. — One Mdffat commenced a clearing near Harmon's Corner very
early; he had a house near the brook, and buried a child there.
12
HAEEIS0:N^, MAINE.
Xephtali Hakmon, at "Harmon's Corners," liear where
the "Okl Baptist Meeting Honse" stands ; and near where
said meeting was held — on the oi)posite side of the road —
the first town-house was built. [Mr. Harmon then lived
at the road corner, on the side toward Capt. Charles
Walker's.] At the first meetnig it was voted to hold
future to\\Ti meetings at the house of Nephtali Har-
mon, till a more convenient place be appointed. Joel.
SixMiviONS was Moderator ; Samuel Willard was chosen
Clerk 5 Samuel Willard, Benja^hn Foster and
Stephen Stiles, Avere the first Selectmen ; Nathaniel.
BuRNHAM was made Treasurer, and Samuel Scrlbner,
Constable ; Simeon Caswell, Edward Low^ell, Eben-
EZER Carsley, Nathan Carsley, and E-ice Kowell,
were chosen Highway Surveyors ; and John Woodsum
Surveyor of Lumber 5 Levi Perry, Daniel Stone, and
Peter Gilson, were Fence Viewers ; Ja^ies Sa^ipson,
Edward Lowell, and Benjamin Foster, were Ti th-
ing-men ; Joel Sooions, Jeremiah Turnt:r, and Moses
Chick, were Hog-reves; Nephtali Harmon, Pound-
keeper ; CusHiNG Daws, Stephens Ingalls, and Ed-
ward Lowell, Field-drivers. The foregoing proves that
tliosc parties Avere in town as early as 1805 5 many were
settled here before.
Schools. The first summer schools were taught in
barns, and tlie winter schools in private houses. Although
scliools were instituted in town early, the branches
tiuight were few ; some of the children learned to write
on birch bark. In 1S0(), tlu' town was divided into six
school districts; and a few years later, it was voted in
town meeting that ^'every school district shall build their
own school liouse." The ^A*r.sf school house in town, was
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
13
on the "Scribner Hill," on the right hand side of the road
that leads from * ^Harmon's Corners" to said hill. The
second school house was built near Jacob Emerson's,
and called the ^'Emerson School House." Soon after the
preceding, the Springer School House" was built near
where Heber Kimball now lives ; after this the village
folks, and those in the interior of the town, united and
built the ''Pound School House." The first six districts
were divided and sub-divided as the population increased,
until all were well accommodated, although the town
raised but one hundred dollars a year, until 1814, for the
support of schools.
Churches. The first religious meetings were held in
barns, school houses, the town house, and in dwelling
houses. The first x)reacher in town was Elder Nicho-
las Bray. Elder Clement Phinney was the first F.
W. Baptist preacher. Elder Samuel Lewis was an
early preacher here. The Congregational Church was
organized at the house of Oliver Peirce, in 1826 ; it
consisted of eleven members. Eev. Joseph Searle was
the first installed Pastor. The Calvin Baptist Church
was organized at the house of Samuel Scribner, on
"Scribner's Hill" in 1827, and its first regular preacher
was Elder Jacob Bray, father of the present Elder
Jacob Bray, of Bridgton. The E. W. Baptist Church
was organized at the house of Shepherd Hawk, (where
Newell Trapton now lives) in 1826. The first Meeting
house (now called the "Old Baptist Meeting House") was
built at "Harmon's Corners" by the Baptists and Congre-
gationalists, in 1827. The F. W. Baptist Meeting House,
*William Haimon was Chosen Deacon of the Baptist Church in 1827; hence,
I suppose, the Church was organized at that date.
14
HAERISOX, MAIXE.
in the interior of the towu, aud the Cougregatioualist
Hons(^ at the \ilhige, were built in 1836. The Methodist
Church was organized, and their house of worship built,
some years subsequently. The Christian Meeting House,
in the south part of the town, was erected in 1870.
Merchants. The first store was kept by Captain
Foster, at tlie south part of the town ; it was situated on
the right liand side of the road leading toward Edes'
Falls, a few rods below the Benja^hn Foster house.
This store was the place where many great stories were
told, and where much ardent spirit was imbibed. The
residents in the north and central parts of the town, went
to North Bridgton, and traded with "Old Mer<ihant An-
drews." J OEL WIIIT3IORE was the first trader at the vil-
hige ; he was a brother of Mrs. JA]mes Chadbourne.
Mr. Whitmore kept goods in a small wooden building
between the old brick store where Carter traded, and the
Blake store. Levi Burnham and Oliver Peirce were
also traders in town quite early. Isaac Bolster built
and kept the first store at "Bolster's Mills," and George
Peirce, the second.
Manufacturers and Mills. The first manufticto-
ries were carried forward on a small scale. Ja:vees Samp-
son built the first mills at the village— a saw-mill and
grist-mill. Samuel Tyler carried on wool-carding aud
cloth-dressing where NE^VELL Caswell's mill now stands;
lie and Sami)son were the oidy residents at the ^^llage,
"Flat," at that time. Old Mr. Bdson carried on the man-
ufacture of wrought nails somewhere on the "Neal Hill,"
above the village; he sold nails to "Merchant ANDREWS"
<»f Xoith Hridgton. Colman Watson carried on coop-
Hin- in 111., village, quite early. The Gilsons owned a
HISTOEICAL SKETCH.
15
mill on Crooked Kiver, below "Bolster's Mills,'' at an early
day 5 the Bolsters bought out the Gilsons and built mills
above, in 1819 and 1820. Seth Carsley had mills at
Harrison village, subsequent to Sampson, and • manu-
factured hat-blocks and wooden plows. David Morse
built a small shingle mill on the outlet of Anonymous
Pond, which he sold to Luther Carman, who changed it
to a machine shop and manufactured power looms and
general machinery j this was in 1846. He sold out to T.
H. RiCKER in 1848. Mr. Ricker manufactured shingle
machines, horse powers, and plows, until 1859, when he
and his son Sherburn — who became a member of the firm
in 1855 — commenced the manufacture of wood-working
machinery. They were burned out in 1859, but imjuedi^
ately rebuilt, and have continued to extend their business
until the present time — a business amounting to about
eight thousand dollars a year. Their machinery goes to
all parts of the United States, and British Dominions.
The firm now consists of the father and two sons.
Greenfield Blake and Ichabod Washburn, codq-
menced the manufacture of wire here (in the village) as
early as 1834, and that business has been carried on by
different parties ever since ; and is now owned by Tol-
MAN, Caswell and Walker, who have a large factory,
and in prosperous times drive an extensive business.
Transportation. A line of canal-boats commenced
running between Harrison village and Portland in 1828,
and continued until the Ogdensburg Eail Eoad, touched
the foot of Sebago Lake. As the head of the canal route
was at Harrison, large store-houses were built at the vil-
lage, in which the supplies for many back towns were
stored until the heavy teams, which brought in manu-
IG
HAliEISOX, MAIXE.
far tilled lumber, wood and produce, could take them to
their destination ; in consequence of these circumstances
the village became quite a business mart, and presented
a lively appearance. A large tavern was built to accom-
modate the teamsters and travelling public ; and around
its ample fire, many joyous and hilarious meetings were
held by tlie story-tellers.
A steamboat named the ^''Fawn^'' was built by a stock
company, and run down the chain of lakes to the '^carry-
iiig-l)lace" at Standish Xeck, many years ago, but it
was not properly constructed, and was taken ofi" after a
few years ; it was commanded by Capt. Christopher 0.
W. Sampson. There was no other steam navigation over
these lakes until one Siinonds commenced running a
beautiful little steamboat named the Oriental f this
])r()vetl a success, but was burned at the village. Mean-
while the Sebago Lake Steamboat Company," was in-
corporated, and two line boats, the Sebago,''^ and ^^Mount
rUamnt^'' were launched upon the waters of the lakes j
these boats supplanted the canal boat transportation, and
have carried a great amount of freight over their route.
They are owned and run by ]\Jr. Charles Gibbs of Bridg-
ton, a gentleman of great enterprise and public spirit.
As tlie steamboats run only in summer, a great aimmnt of
freight is taken from South Paris station, on the Grand
Tmiilc Hail lload, by teams, in winter. But the white
sails of the canal boat may still be seen, like the wings
of some mighty l)ird, spivad out upon the waters of the
Lakes; tliey are now nni to the foot of Sebago Lake, with
w«)od and mainifa<'ture(l himber, and return with heavy
fiviglit.
IMIMIOVEMENTS. Tlie Hanison of to-day, presents a •
HISTOEIOAL SKETCH.
17
very different appearance from that indicated in the open-
ing of this sketch. The strong arms of the pioneers,
moved by a determined will, have plied the strokes of the
axe, until the primeval forest has given place to broad
fertile farms; the rude, primitive dwellings have been
taken down, and beautiful modern residences, stately,
graceful, and ornamental, have taken their places ; the
old-fashioned school houses have been abandoned — those
places where so many of our aged towns-people were
deeply impressed^ both with book and Mrcli — and new and
commodious ones erected ; the old town house — over the
dismantling of which there was a severe contention — has
been taken down, and a large and respectable one built at
the village; the old church-houses have been closed, and
others of modern architecture and convenience are now
raising their graceful spii*es among the elms and maples
that grow around them ,• population has gathered about
the centers of trade; the villages have risen from little
hamlets, to manufacturing ijlaces of considerable import-
ance j the blessings of education have been multix)lied ;
new resources discovered, and all branches of industry
carried forward, until the town has become one of the
most enterprising, prosperous, and beautiful in Cumber-
land County. For its romantic scenery and picturesque
views it can hardly be excelled. Like Zion of old, Har-
rison is " beautiful for situation ;" there is no monotony
or tiresome sameness ; there are the ragged, towering hills,
with their rock-ribbed and tree-covered sides ; and, nest-
ling at their feet, the silver-surfaced lakelets which reflect
like a polished mirror, in their miniature bays, the forest-
shaded headlands and the bordering pastures ; there run
the purling brooks, in serj)entine course, like a thread of
18
HARBISON, MAIKE.
silver woven into the landscape's green fabric by the
creative tiii<^ers, Miiieh all day long glisten in the sun-
W'^ht, and sing throngh their pebbled hari)s to the traA cler
who, with rod and line wanders along their banks, to take
tlie sjx'ckled tront that ftnds his home in their tree-shaded
coves ; liere are the larger bodies of water which have
now changed their old names from that of ponds to the
more popular one of lal'es; upon their bosoms jdow the
noble steand)oats, while their shrill and business-toned
wliistles echo and re-echo among the hills and valleys
along the shores. Instead of gathering at the store and
village green, to engage in neighborhood gossip, as on even
ings of the past, the villagers now crowd around the
wharves to gaze upon the new arrivals — the city folk
who during the hot weather flock to our cool hillsides for
rest and recreation. Everything wears a neat and enter-
l>rising appearance. The farmers have opened their com-
fortable homes to their city neighbors, and find pleasure
as well as profit in entertaining those who have been
more closely associated with the gTeat busy outside world.
Since the beauties of the scenery, and the new facilities
for travel have become known, Harrison has grown to be
a very popular resort for the weary, more especially since
tlie remarkable ''Summit Spring" was discovered; the
water of this spring possesses the most valuable medici-
nal properties, and is healing hundreds; this water is
now sold in all parts of the country. While the lakes
that intersperse the landscape afford pleasure to the city
boarders when rowing or sailing over them, the smoothly
gi-aded and forest-arched carriage roads incite the drive.
No more invigorating air, no more healthy situation can
be found in New England, than is found here ; and the
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
19
moral character of the inhabitants is a subject of remark.
Industrious^ enterprising, and temperate — the town is not
cursed with a drinking shop — the people, recognize all
those kindly obligations of neighbors, and the courtesies
and conventionalities which are pleasant to strangers.
Peace and prosperity are general. Those in professional
life have been successful ; the mechanic and artisan
grow in independence, and the farmers are constantly im-
proving in wealth and culture, — and we shall attribute
this prosperity to the character of those families who first
permanently settled here. They had good bodies and
good brains 5 they had strong wills and strong arms 5
they had enterprise and executive ability ; they possessed
courage and self-reliance — all kept fresh by a blood in-
herited from a noble ancestry ; and they lived, many of
them, to see what they found a wilderness, become a blos-
soming garden, l^oble and loyal-hearted were the fath-
ers and mothers, and their posterity do honor their par-
entage and emulate their examples.
The number of inhabitants in Harrison, in 1870, was 1219. Valuation in 1870,
Polls, 307; Estates, $304,635.
"The Harrison Farmer's Club" was organized many years ago, and has held
regular and successful town fairs ; it has proved a source of profit and improve-
ment to farmers and manufacturers. President, John Dawes, Esq. ; Secretary,
Alphonso Morton.
"The Harrison Insurance Association," (insurance against fire) has been long
sustahied in town, and is a most excellent organization.
A Stock Company erected a Woolen Mill in town, some years ago, but it was
burnt down after running a few years.
Lawyers that have practiced in town were— Washburn, Thomas, Eastman,
Blake, Strout, Chaplin and BuUard.
Physiciaks that have practiced in town were— Carter, Conant, Rodgers,
Dunnells, Weston, Kimball, Dunn, Pease and Cole.
OUR PIONEEE FAMILIES.
Among our gr^nd and towering tree-crowned hills,
Whose feet are daily washed by cool refreshing rills;
Among the granite rocks, through forests deep and strong.
Around the silvery lakes, roaming their shores along;
Came pioneer adventurers of pure Old Colony stock,
As staunch as ever stood on Plymouth's landing-rock.
Strong arms, and noble aims, these hardy men possessed;
They were well born for men, not for dolls to be caressed.
'Twas homes they sought, and lands on which to live.
For independence and honesty, where love could thrive.
They sought \X, found it, bought it with their hands —
And kept it by temperance and industry's iron bandS.
The stately pine, the hemlock, elms and sturdy oaks,
Like mast, fell fast before the woodman's giant strokes.
Then sunshine and rain, upon the dormant soil came down,
To wake the sleeping earth, and warm the virgin ground.
Broadcast the seed was sown, and fields of golden grain
Soon waved o'er hills, and gilded open plain.
Around their log-house hearth, the children gathered fast
To bless the home, and share the table's plain repast;
To rise to man and woman's dignified estate;
To nobler deeds of good; their town to populate.
Thou, sons and daughters of our grand old town,
Your place was nobly won, your honor and renown.
To country loyal, and to your birthright ever true;
For stations high, and ranks of eminence you grtu: —
OUE PIOKEEE FAMILIES. 21
Grew tall of body, strong of intellect and heart,
In sympathy, in charity, in love to act your part.
An honest life was yours; you ever hated sloth;
You always gave good measure, and wove ^\full-cloth;''''
You breathed pure air, and never feared the cramp,
While you drank milk-porridge and ate corn-samp.
Your names, not all poetic, were significant of good.
And when orderly connected, make a lively brood.
The Abbotts and Chaitlim are not our churchmen now;
Some practice at the Bar, others practice with the plow.
The 8t<inleyH were a witty set in politics and law,
"Jack" Johnson was the joker, and "Zeb" coyld use his^m/?.
"Gee" HarmorCfi a " Unuer sailer,''' and "Sam" could taltc by rule,
"Uncle Bill" drove the ox-team and Walter drove the raule.
While the Bennettx, and Phin.neys, and Hormons were singers.
Their neighbors were Walkertt and Jumpers and Sirringers.
The Sampsons, rightly named, were very strong and straight,
Especially "Uncle Hira" he did— he did, never come to late.
The wise Stewarts, selected the Hall girls for their wives,
And vowed a faithful Stewart ship the rest of their lives.
In the north were many Stiles'' upheld by the BracktttK,
And the Haskells and Canwells made a wedding racket.
Notes. The surnames Abbott and Chaplin were derived from oificers in the
Church; some are lawyers and others farmers, now.
The Stanleys were very sarcastic and quick for an answer.
John Johnson, called Jack, was very cunning and a great wag in his day; his
hrother Zehulon was apt to s<--old.
Gee Harmon was once urged to become a Christian, and in his stammering
way replied, "Im a-a Universal-e-r ;" his brother Samuel was a great story-teller
and could paint bis descriptions in high colors, too high for truth.
William Harmon was one of the beet teamsters known ; he drove an ox-team
in the lumber swamps many years; his brother Walter was a great horseman,
and once owned some mules.
Mr. Bennett was a music-teacher, and once competed Avith Clement Phinney
in a trial of voice; the Harmons used to sing in the old Baptist Choir.
There were families of Walkers, Jumpers and Springers, living near each
other, between the village and "Harmon's Corners."
The Sampsons walk very erect are very muscular and prompt-spoken. Un-
cle Ahira had a habit of repeating the last words in a sentence when talking.
Several daughters of Isaac Hall married with the Stewart brothers, of Gor-
ham, and settled in town; the surname Stewart— or Stuart as some spell it— was
derived from the office of High Stewart, in Scotland.
A faraily of Stiles' settled early in the north part of the town, in the Brackett
neighborhood.
The Haskell and Caswell families have frequently intermarried.
22
HAKKISON, MAINE.
•♦Ben" Chadbourne used the trowel, the ''Squire'' was the tailor,
Col. Watson was a cooper, and Old Ed»on was a nailer;
The Peircex were Senators, land-surveyors and esquires,
While the family of Dmces were land and lumber buyers.
3Ir. Cumjuing.i, on the hill, drove his (nd to his laai,
And waxed bristles to the efid to keep his sole fast.
The BoMers (not for beds) and Gilsona built the mills,
And carried on farming on the brow of **Gilson's Hill."
Some Ciu'iilei/K were inventors, and others learned to hew;
The KneelandH and Kilborm were never very few.
Some Biirnhams caught the rogues, and others roguish grew,
W hile the Foders and the Emerwna were ever in a stew.
Some old Wii/mm.-i were like giants, corpulent and strong.
But the W/idnet/.'* \\ere the toughest, their bodies lean and long.
\Vith the Howards to hew Sfone.s, while Burnham made a hat.
Sam Tyler, the wool-carder, run his business at the "Flat."
While Strickland made bricks, "Marm BuckneW would switch
The urchins in her school room, on the "Scribner Hill;"
Benjamin Chadbourne, a distant relative of James Chadbourne, Esq., was a
mason ; James a tailor, as was also his lather in Gorham.
Colman Watson carried on coopering at the village, early; vrhile Mr. Edson,
said to have learned his trade in prison, made nails by hand, on the Neal hill.
Oliver Peirce was Justice of tlie Peace, and in the Legislature, as was also
Geoi-ge, and they were surveyors for three generations.
The Dawes family have owned much timber land.
Mr. Cunnnings was i)robably first slioemaker in town.
Isaac I5o!>t('r bouglit out tlie (iilson's mill i)roi)erty, and built largely where
Bolster's Willis village now stands; both families have lived on the well kuoAvn
"Gilson'> Hill."
ScUi ( arsk'v invented a machine to make lasts and hat-blocks, and went to
Washington in a gig with his model and secured his patent.
The Kni'cliind and Cunnniiigs families came from Topslield, IVIass., and set-
tled near ciicli otlicr; the Knv'clands and Kilborns were numerous.
SumiuT I'.in-Mliam was slu'riir and snde Detective.
There were political feuds between the Foster and Euierson families, as also
between ( 'ai)t. Fo>ter and Major Emerson during their militiiry career. George
Knu'r>ou ownt-d a powerful black horse and m hen returning from town meet-
ing drove l.y llie Fo>ters, and when passing a neighbor, said, "Pll let tlie Fosters
know they must go behind while 1 keep old black."
Sey«'ral of the Wilham fanuly were very corpulent; some weighed about three
nuiidred ))ound.s.
The W hitneys are nearly all very tjill and hardy men.
^.'x eral Howards were stont'-masons. Daniel Stone was early in town. On«
llurnh.ini was a liatter at the village.
.Samuel Tyler carried on woolcarding and cloth-dressing near where Newell
rfaV"' " ""^^ the village lias always been known as "Harrison
lohn Strickland made brick at, or near, the place where the village now
•tftml-*; u MisdlWicknell kept one of tlie lirst schools ou Scribuer's hill.
OUR PIONEER FAMILIES.
23
If Woodsum built a barn, Old Need could dig a ditch,
And "Jim" play Gammon on the road to Bolster's Mill.
The Perleys had their say, on each election-day;
And the Plaisteds had thei?' Foggs as well as showers;
While Elders Pitts and Bray, taught others how to praj'-,
The Willards intermarried with the Powers.
With Traftvns for drovers, and Bisbees for rovers.
And the Scribne-r's once scribes, to serve Constables here,
With Simmons Moderator, and Ingalls a field-driver.
Perry ^ Turner, Chick and Lowell close the rear.
John Woodsum worked as framer and builder; Old Mr. Neal, an Irishman,
was a ditcher by trade.
James Neal used to stop and see the Gammon girls when carrying corn to Bol-
ster's Mills. Gammon lived on Gilson's hill.
The Perleys have been radical and noisy politicians.
The Plaisteds and Foggs were neighbors and intermarried.
The Powers family came from Sanford, and were related to the Harmons.
Solomon Pitts and Jacob Bray were early Baptist Ministers.
The Traftons have become wealthy, dealing in live stock ; the Bisbees have
been a moving family.
The surname Scribner, was derived from scriDenor, to write. Samuel Scribner
was first Constable in town.
Joel Simmons was Moderator of the first town meeting, and Stephens Ingalls
chosen field-driver.
Levi Perry, Jeremiah Turner, Moses Chick and Edward Lowell, were chosen
to fill offices at the first town meeting held in town— 1805.
ABBOTT FAMILY.
Hiram Abbott, son of Tlieophilus, of Newfield, York
County, came liere about 1820, and settled in the ^'John-
son Xei'-liborhood," where Abijah Lewis subsequently
lived, and where John Lakin now lives. He married
lietsey Hazeltine, and had issue as follows, all born in
this town — Mr. Abbott moved into the northerly end of
tlie town, and settled near where his son Samuel now
lives, in later years, and died April 27, 1843, aged 51
years and (i months. His Avidow is still living with her
(laughter in AVaterford :
1. Oliver, born April 29, 1821; married Xancy Edson,
Xov. 20, 1813, and died Jan. 18, 1846.
2. Samuel, born Aug. 10, 1823 ; married EUza, daughter
of Joshua Howard, Dee. 13, 1848, and settled where
he now lives, at the head of ''Anonaymous Pond."
Mr. Abbott is a successful farmer, and has been a
hard worker. He is a kind neighbor, and respected
citizen. His amiable wife died in 1875. No chil-
dren.
3. :Mercy, born Feb. 17, 1826; married Joseph Kilgore
of Waterford, and is now living in that town.
4. Zebulon J., born Aug. 17, 1829 ; married Caroline
Anderson, and settled on ''Temple Hill," in Water-
ford. Mr. Abbott is a good farmer ; has two chil-
dren.
5. CiLVULics, born Sept. 30, 1831; married Saiah J.,
daughter of Ephraim Cook of Harrison, and set-
tled on a farm in Waterford. He has since moved
to a farm near his brother Samuel's, in this town.
His children were four in number.
6. r.KTSEV, boin Dec. i3, 1833; married Kimball Kil-
gore, (brother of Joseph) and lives in Waterford,
-Maiin'.
7. 1:mza born Dec. 7, 1S35; married Davis,
of Lewiston, Maine, and resides in that city.
BISBEE-~BET^r]!^^ETT FAMILIES.
25
BISBEE FAMILY.
They are descended from Thomas Bbsbedge, (Bisbee)
of Scituate, Mass., through Ulisha^ John, Elisha^ John,
and Ebenezer Bisbee, who settled in Harrison. The
family wefre connected with the Edsons by marriage.
Ebenezer married in Maine. He was born in 1782. This
family are said to have moved to Aroostook County,
many years ago j they lived where Albert Burnham now
resides, on ^'Burnham's Hill" Harrison. Children as fol-
lows:
1. HuLDAH S., born Sept. 12, 1804.
2. Edmond W., born April 5, 1806 ; died May 22, 1827.
3. Louisa, born April 8, 1808.
4. Irene, born May 4, 1809.
5. Ebenezer, Jr., born Feb. 24, 1811.
6. Ira, born Feb. 9, 1813.
7. Martha, born Nov. 14, 1814.
8. William, born l^ov. 2, 1816.
9. John, born ISTov. 5, 1818.
10. Solomon B., born March 30, 1820.
11. Abigail B., born April 30, 1822.
12. Hannah S., born Sept. 20, 1825.
The mother's name was Eunice.
Many of this family, from the first ancestors, were
blacksmiths. Several branches settled in Maine. A gen-
ealogy of the family has been published by Dr. Wm. B.
Lapham, of Augusta, Maine.
BENNETT FAMILY.
They were here quite early, in the settlement of the
town. Stanton Bennett came from "Coos," ivT. H., and
settled near whei e the F. W. Baptist Meeting House now
stands, about where Stephen Nason lived in 1870, He
was a great singer, and once competed with Elder Clem-
ent Phinney with his vocal powers. His children, born
here, were as follows :
26
HAKRISO:S^, MAIKE.
1. Sylvia Ann, born :Slnj 9, 1813 ; died young.
2 Betsey, born April 15, 1815; married Jonathan
Brackett, Sept. 11, 1843.
3. Mariyilla, born Feb. 2, 1818.
4. Jane, born Oct. 14, 1810.
5. Caroline E., born June 14, 1821.
(). SYL^saA, born Dec. 14, 1825 ; married James Eounds,
of Poland, June 6, 1847.
BOLSTEE FAMILY.
Isaac Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris, Maine^
May 22, 17()1) ; married March 9, 1794, Hannah Cnshmany
of ilcbron (she was born April 16, 1777, and died Jan,
L'."), IS()5,) and settknl in his native town. He died Jan.
s. IS.)."). ;Mr. Bolster, from whom the present tillage of
^'P>()lster's ^lills" took its name, purchased property of
the (iilsons on Crooked River, and built a dam and saw-
mill in 1S1<), and a grist-mill in 1820. The business was
carried on mainly bv his sons. His sou William (of whom
more licn-aftcr)' biiilt the "fulling-mill" in 1826. The
fatlicr Mas never a resident of Harrison. Children as
follows:
1. Alvin Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris,
Dec. 7, 1795; married Cynthia Wheeler, of Eum-
ford, and died in that toVn Dec. 8, 1862.
2. Isaacs Bolster, Jr., Avas born in Paris, Feb. 22,
1797; married Polly Cushman, of Buckfield, and
si'ttled in Harrison, in 1821. He died in Norway,
Miireli 9, lS(;;i. He built the first store at Bolster's
Mills villnge, and resided in town fifteen years.
His eliihlren were born in Harrison; they were as
follows :
i. IOlenor K., b. Ain il 2.'?, 1S20; m. to James Ben-
nett, of Norway, and lives there now.
ii. John A., b. June 2S, 1822; m. Adams, of
An<lover, and resi(h's in Norway. He has been
largely engag(Ml in the live stock trade; has
BOLSTER FAMILY,
27
been in the State Legislature ; is a man of
considerable public spirit, and interests him-
self in matters of polity.
iii. Cynthia J., b. March 15, 1825 j m. to Grover
Crockett, of ]S"orway, and lives there.
iv. Oliver F., b. Sept. 6, 1828 j resides in Massa-
chusetts.
V. Mary D., b. July 29, 1832 ; m. Severence,
of Minot.
vi. Georgia E., b. Oct. 12, 1835 ; m. Thomas Plum-
mer, of Waterford ; is dead.
3. Gideon Bolster, son of Isaac, was born in Paris,
April 28, 1799 ; married Charlotte Hall, of Paris,
and died there Oct. 20, 1873,
4. Otis C. Bolster, son of Isaac, born in Paris, Sept.
25, 1801 ; married, 1st, Dolly Kire, of Eumford,
and 2ndly, Maria Virgin, of the latter town j he
died IsTov. 20, 1871.
5. William Bolster, son of Isaac, born in Paris, June
23, 1804 ; married, 1st, Hannah Turner, of Otis-
field, and 2ndly, Kancy J. Edwards, of the latter
town. Mr. Bolster came to Harrison in 1826, and
commenced the milling business with his brother
Isaac, building a mill for fulling and dressing cloth
the same year. He is now livin g on ''Gilson's Hill,"
about one mile from "Bolster's Mills," and carries
on a large farm. His children were as follows :
i. Martha L., b. Feb. 18, 1835 j m. Gilbert S.
Pearsons, of Windsor, Vermont, and is now
living at Denver, Colorado.
ii. Hannah E., b. Jan. 17, 1844; d. July 18, 1869.
iii. Albert W., b. July 22, 1847 ; m. Jennie
Emery, and lives on the homestead.
6. Hannah Bolster, daughter of Isaac, born in Paris,
June 23, 1807 ; married to Dr. Thomas Gore, of
Minot, and died in Litchfield, Feb. 12, 1876.
Note.— DBA. Isaac Bolster, son of Gideon, lives in Eastern, Aroostook
County, Maine. An excellent man.
28
HARKISOX, MAINE.
7. Ltoan Bolster, sou of Isaac, born in Paris, March
21), 1S(){) ; married Betsey Knight, of Eumford, and
resides at Bryant's Pond, Woodstock.
S. Louisa Bolster, daughter of Isaac, born in Paris,
April 28, 1812 j married Augustus King, of said
town, and died May 17, 1831.
1). Levi Bolster, son of Isaac, born in Paris, ^ov. 10,
18 H) ; married Marcia Warren, of Waterbury, Con-
necticut, where they now reside.
10. KuTH J. Bolster, daughter of Isaac, born Jan. 1,
1821 ; married to Alexander Cushman, of Bucklield.
BEAT FAMILY.
Bray is a Scottish surname, taken from Brae, and the
family date their historj' to a remote i)eriod. Several
Junior branches spread into England and the United
States. One of the associates of Sir William Pepperell,
and ( W)\ crnor Wentworth, was Brat/, an early ship builder.
Among the first settlers of this town came Nicholas
liiiAV, who sonu'time lived at Cape Elizabeth, and subse-
(incntly in the town of Minot. He probabiy came here
about the same thne as the Caswells, and was connected
with that family by intermarriage. Kelatives are still
living in Poland. Mr. Bray, now under notice, was in
the war of the Revolution for seven years, and endured
great sntlcring from exposure and engagements. He
opened a eh'aring on the ridge, one or two lots above the
first settler, viz: John Carsley's. In 1800 he owned Lot
No. S, in liange 2, then in Otisfield, which comprised
wliat has since been known as the "Old Bray Farm, " the
place since owned by William llill, where a few years
ag(> the bnildings were burned by lightning. Mr. Bray
was l>orn in .March, 17r)2, died February f), 1843, and was
buried in the F. W. IJaptist (\Muetery, near his home. He
iia<l niarricil twice and had issue as follows:
1. Solomon Bray, son of Nicholas, was born in Minot
about the year 1774; canu' to this town with his
BEAY FAMILY.
29
fatlier, as early as 1800, and in that year paid taxes
on Lot No. 9, in Eange 3. He lived where ^Jewell
Trafton now resides, and reared a large family, but
afterwards moved to Monson, where he and wife
died quite aged. Mr. Bray married Alice Perry,
and by her had the following children :
i. Susanna, b. Sept. 24, 1799 ; m. Otis Harmon
June 12, 1826, and settled in Monson, Maine.
ii. Freeman, b. May 20, 1801 ; m. Martilla Briggs,
of Minot J moved to Monson and had issue.
iii. Cyrus, b. May 30, 1802 ; m. Susan Aldin, of
Minot, moved to Monson and had issue — dead.
iv. Polly, b. March 6, 1804 ; m. Deacon Andrews,
of Monson, Me.
V. Alice, b. ^Tov. 6, 1805 ; m. James Stinchfield, of
Monson, Maine,
vi. Jannet, b. April 8, 1807 ; m. Alexander Cush-
man, of Monson, Maine.
' vii. Hannah, b. April 16, 1809 ; m. Walter P. Har-
mon, April 4, 1830, and died in 1875, in Har-
rison.
viii. Solomon 0. 0., b. Jan. 17, 1810 ; m. Sybel Gow-
an* and 2ndly a widow .
ix. EoxANNA, b. Oct. 23, 1812 ; m. Dea. Benjamin
Stinchfield, (brother of James) of Monson.
x. Axil, b. I^ov. 17, 1814 ; m. .
xi. Samuel, b. March 1, 1817 ; m. .
xii. Edward, b. in 1819 5 died unmarried.
xiii. Julia A., b. in Monson; m. Nelson Thomas, of
said town, and settled there.
2. Dea. Edward Bray, son of Nicholas, was born in
Minot, July 6, 1792; married Susanna Hobbs,
daughter oi* Morrill Hobbs, Sr., and settled in this
town, on the homestead with his father. He Avas
in the war of 1812. Mr. Bray early embraced re-
ligion and united with the F. W. Baptist Church,
in Harrison ; was chosen one of the first deacons,
and associated with Dea. Carsley in that sacred
office many years. Dea. Bray believed in spiritual
30
HAKEISOX, MAINE.
worship, and Avas accustomed to exliort after the
sermon in Sabbath services; at such times he
would shout aloud for joy. Wlien he was a child
his mother was insaue, and sometimes would carry
him into the woods, near the house, and cover him
u\) with leaves and brushwood, while she visited
nei^ihbors, or returned to her home, and no one
<'()uld persuade her to disclose his Avhereabouts un-
til such time as she saw fit to go and bring him
back. Mrs. Bray died March 28, 1866 : he died
Sept. 21, 1865; they had issue as follows :
i. MiKiAM, b. May 27, 1815 ; m. to Simeon Chad-
bourne, of Harrison — see Chadbourne family.
ii. Charlotte H., b. May 2, 1817 ; m. William C.
Hill, and died in town.
iii. Susan, b. April 17, 1819 ; m. Samuel W. Chad-
bourne, and died in town.
iv. Ann, b. June 2, 1824 ; died Sept. 13, 1825.
V. Sarah Ann, b. Aug. 2, 1827 ; died July 13, 1828.
vi. Edward, Jr., b. Dec. 21, 1830 ; m. Abby Bart-
lett, and had issue, of whom hereafter. Mr.
Bray settled in this town, and is now situated
at the Aillage as a painter. His children are
Xcllie Grace, b. Aug. 26, 1861, and Flora Bell,
b. June 11, 1864.
3. Key. Nicholas Bray, son of Nicholas, was born in
Miuot, in 1794, (f) married Abigail Bucknell, and
lived in this town several years ; he subsequently
went to Whitetield, N. H., and labored as a Baptist
minister. Issue, Moses, Seplirona, Ruth, Christiana,
Lucy, Ahi(/ail, Drusilla, Sarah, Martha mid Samvel.
1. i'oLLY Bray, daughter of Nicholas, married Obed
Mann, of AVhitelield, N. H.
5. Fidelia IJray, daughter of Nicholas, married Philip
Caswell, of I larrison—see Caswell family.
<•». .Vnna liKAY, dauglitcr of Nicholas, married Evans
Wilson, of Durand, Me., Sept. 9, 1819.
• • liKAY, daugliter of Nicholas, married Asa
liradtbrd, of Turner, Me.
BUET^HAM FAMILY.
31
8. Brat, daughter of Mcholas, married
Whitney, of Phillips, Me.
BUENHAM FAMILY.
They are descended from an ancient English stock
through Eeuben Burnham, who came from Bolton,
Mass., to Bridgton, Me., in 1774 ; he was killed by a fall-
ing tree in 1775. Mr. Burnham had eight children, two
of whom settled in this town, y\z :
1. Abraham Burnham, born in Bolton, Mass., in 1765 ;
married Alice Scribner, of Waterboro', Me., and
settled on "Scribner's Hill," in this town, where he
reared several children. He and wife (she prede-
ceased him) were buried on his farm. Their chil-
dren were Reuben^ Timothy^ and Ai^ and some of
their descendants are now living. Mr. Burnham
died June 24, 1850, aged 85 years.
2. I^ATHANIEL BuRNHAM, born in Bolton, Mass., Dec.
22, 17 69 ) married ISTabby Scribner, (sister to the
^ wife of Abraham) of Waterboro', Me., Jan. 24,
1799, and settled on Lot 8, Eange 5, in Harrison,
the farm now owned by Frank Whitman, situated
on the beautiful eminence known as ''Scribner's
Hill," latterly as "Burnham's Hill." Mr. Burn-
ham was one of the first settlers in town, and
some think his house was built (frame house) as
early as ^sTathan Carsley's and James Watson's.
He was many years Selectman, and loved to work
so well, that when thirsty, he would run to the
spring and back to his field again. His second
wife was ^^ancy Marshal, of Alfred, Me., whom he
* married April 30, 1820. He died Oct. 12, 1837, and
his wives, l^o\. 26, 1819 and E^ov. 12, 1866, respec-
NOTE. — The ancestors of the Bray family came from Gloucester, Mass., to New
Gloucester, Me., with the first settlers of that town. One branch settled in An-
son, and a son lives in Skowhegan.
32
HAKRISOX, MAIXE.
tively. All buried on ^'Buriiliam's Hill." Children :
i. Bani, b. in Harrison, Nov. 12, 1799 ; married
Eliza Haskell, (now living,) in 1820, and set-
tled on ''Burnliam's Hill." He afterwards emi-
grated to Dwiglit, Ills., where he died May 4,
1871, ha^ing had issue, seven children, as fol-
lows : Jacob H., b. Dec. 10, 1820 ; Elizahetli H.,
b. Dec. 10, 1823; Emily H., b. April 27, 1828;
Octava D., b. March 20, 1834 ; Alvin P., b. May
15, 1836 ; 8. Marshall^ b. Sept. 6, 1840 ; JoM,
b. Oct. 10, 1842.
ii. Rev. LE\a, b. May 8, 1802; m. Deborah C,
daughter of Capt. Nephtali Harmon, June 3,
1824, and settled in this town. Elder Burn-
.liam was once settled in Limington, as minis-
ter, and was actively engaged in his profession
for many years ; he lived for several years, lat-
terly, with his son, on the "Willard Place,"
and died in the autumn of 1876 — his wife hav-
ing predeceased him. May 30, 1868 ; they had
children, as follows :
1. Sally H., b. June 8, 1825 ; m. Lorenzo D. Swan,
of Woodstock, and d. Ang. 28, 1850.
2. Mahala J. xV., b. Jan. 8, 1829 ; m. John Thomp-
son, of Hartford, July 4, 1844.
3. Xephtali H., b. Oct.' 7, 1834; m. Harriet N.
Stedman, March 3, 1857 ; settled in Harrison,
and has issue, two children, viz : Lincoln ilf.,
b. Oct. 15, 1858, and Bertie M., b. July 3, 1863.
4. Nathaniel L., b. May 9, 1839 ; d . Julv 1, 1852.
6. Abbie .M., b. March 22, 1845 ; m. Seth M. Keen,
Jan. 21, 1871.
iii. Moses, b. March 21, 1804; m. Lucretia, daugh-
ter of John Bucknell, April 17, 1828, and set-
tled in this town, on 'M^urnham's Hill." * He
liad one son, and died Aug. 4, 1834; his widow
nian ird K'cv. David Jewell, a Baptist preacher,
who lias died, juid the widow now lives with
iier daughter, Miss Lucia Jewell, at the ^illage.
BFEXHAM FAMILY.
33
The son, Albert, married Melvina McKennie,
and resides on his father's Homestead. — Has
issue,
iv. John, b. March 23, 1807; ni. Susan, daughter of
Dea. Charles Walker, and settled in James-
town, ISr. H. — now at Busti — and has issue,
several children.
V. Sumner, (Esq.) b, Kov. 16, 1805 ; m. Christiana,
daughter of Ephraim Washburn, of Hebron,
Me., and had nine children, of whom hereafter.
Mr. Burnham resided many years at the home-
stead of his father, but subsequently exchanged
with Frank Whitman, and settled on a large
farm in I^orway. Mr. Burnham was many
years a Deputy Sheriff, and besides serving in
all the town offices, was a State Detective dur-
ing the war of the Eebellion. He has had an
active business life, and is now settled in Nor-
way village, as Bank President, and in afduent
circumstances. His weight is about 300 lbs.
Children : M. Greenleaf, who married Chris-
tiana Stedman, his cousin, and died leaving
three children ; Frances, who married William
Evans, of Portland; Otho W., who married
Mabel Bates, of Waterville, and practiced law
in Portland — now dead ; Caroline^ who married
Henry C. Eobie, of Harrison; Sumner, Jr.,
who died young ; Sumner W., Silas, Horace
and Alice.
vi. Kathaniel, b. Feb. 24, 1812; m. 1st, Mary
Mustard, of Bowdoin, and by her had a son
Joseph, who is now a wealthy farmer in the
West, and 2ndly, Olive Sawyer, of Madison,
Me. He was stage driver in Eastern Maine,
for some years, but subsequently emigrated to
Dwight, Ills., where he died April 8, 1870,
leaving a widow.
vii. Abigail, b. July 7, 1818 ; m. Franklin Peirce,
of Harrison. (See Peirce Family.)
34
HARRISON, MAINE.
viii. Sarah Ann, l\ April 12, 1826 ; m. Rev. Silas
Brackett, and now lives in Dwiglit, Ills.
ix. William II., b. Feb. 29, 1827 5 m. Mary Max-
well, of Scottisli descent, and 2ndly, Annie
— , by whom children.
BKAOKETT FAMILY.
Tlie Bracketts came from Westbrook, Me. For an ac-
count of the ancestors, see ''Willis' History of Portland.'^
Cai»t. John IUjackett, a soldier of the Revolntion, set-
tled in tliis town about the year 1810. He located a little
Ix'low the 'Mirackett School House," on the "Brackett
Koad." His wife was Molly Walker, of Westbrook, sis-
ter of Dea. Walker's father ; she died Sept. 18, 1843 ; he
died Feb. 22, 1841, aged 80. They had children as fol-
lows :
1 . AValker Bkackett, born in Westbrook, in 1796 ;
mariied ('orlista Wight, of Raymond ; settled in
the l>rackett neighborhood," and had issue. He
died in 1S71 ; his widow died in 1875^ aged 79 years ^
their chihlren were as Ibllows :
i. Silas C, b. Nov. 11, 1818 5 m. Sarah A., daugh-
ter of Nathaniel Burnhain, of Harrison, and
is a Methodist preacher, now living in the West.
Cliihlren as follows: Frederick^ FranMin P.j
AlplicKs />., Henry C, Feel i>., Virgil, Velzoray
fJoscphvne, Lovinaj Abhiey Corlista, Gilbert Jf.,
and others.
Note.— Cnpt. John Rrackott was a man of learn hig: and position; he was a
laiKl survcvMr by prolossion, and laid out a jirreat part of the citv of Porthind.
Ilf. at one tune, owiinl ouc-half mile scjuare of hind in what is noAv the heart of
thr city, which was scl.l m about 1S<M), for s^oOO. Capt. IJrackett had a son John
whoMwiH'd a farm ill Scarboro': a dan^hter .Va?-?/, wlio married Eleazer Bur-
bank; /.^/ry niarrifd Asai-l Fu^b-r. and another dauf,diter wliose name (U)es not
appt-ar. marrb-d Simon tjiiiniby. ( an|. Unickett was a Revolutionary soldier,
and sickfiicd 111 the army, (^lery : -1 low was this family eonneeted with the
U I'stlirook slock? Tlicre are hCN cral lamilies ill Otislield" and Naples; also in
Limerick and I.iinin-toii. Query r—W liatconiieclion was the above named Asael
l-OHU-r In Ahju'I Foster who »-anie from Danvers, Mass., to Bridgton, ISIe, in 1772
imil lia«l Hourt, Jofiip'i, Asati, Iknjamin, Framif and Moodyy
114(3698
BEAGKETT FAMILY. 35
ii. Polly W., b. Aug. 16, 1820; m. Seth Pike, of
I^orway, May 23, 1844.
iii. Kancy 0., b. l^ov. 19, 1822 ; m. Alfred Noyes,
l^OY. 7, 1844.
iv. Walker, Jr., b. ^oy. 24, 1824 j m. Eliza Leach,
of Casco ; 2ndly, Jennie Hackett, of Salem,
Me., and 3rdly, a widow Dresser.(?) His chil-
dren were as follows, viz : Ulla and one tLujt
died.
V. EoxANA, b. 'j d. aged 16 years.
vi. Harriet W., b. ; m. Tristrum Noyes, ^N'ov.
8, 1849 ; lives in town.
vii. ElbridGtB, b. ; m. Mary Hunt, of Avon,
Me., and went to Minnesota in 1876.
viii. Betsey, b. — — ; m. Oneal E. Mills, of Bethel ;
now living in town.
ix. Charles H., b. ; m. Lois Talbot, of Avon,
Me., and lives in Yinalhaven.
X. SOPHRONA, b. m. Eobert S. Lamb, of
Harrison 5 2ndly, George Shead, of l:»forway.
2. William Brackett, born in Westbrook, Me., Aug.
25, 1789; married Sarah Hobbs, Oct. 1, 1811. (She
was born July 6, 1792 ;) settled near the road cor-
ners, in the " Brackett i^Teighborhood" — where his
son George now lives — and reared eleven children.
Mr. Brackett died Feb. 7, 1865, aged 76 years ; his
wife died July 31, 1856, aged 64 years. Children
as tollows :
i. Daniel H., b. June 3, 1813 ; m. Hannah Ben-
nett, of Cumberland, and lives at Freeport.
ii. Mary, b. July 3, 1814 5 m. James Fogg, and re-
sides in Gorham, Me.
iii. Sybel S., b. July 23, 1816 : m. George Pearsons,
and died several years ago.
Iv. George W., b. May 5, 1818 m. Eebecca Bailey,
of Bridgton, May 17, 1842 5 (she was b. Oct,
21, 1818) and settled on the homestead. Mr.
Brackett has been a Selectman. His children
are as follows :
3G
HAKRISOX, MAINE.
1. Christian L., b. Jan. 3, 1844; d. Oct. 26, 1858.
2. Sarah A., b. Juue 6, 1849.
3. Pa^ielta a., b. Aug. 24, 1851 ; m. George A.
Hall, June 27, 1872.
4. Emil S., b. Juue 25, 1854.
5. George E., b. June 16, 1857.
6. Lizzie E., b. Aug. 30, 1859.
7. Martha E., b. Aug. 26, 1864.
V. Louis P., b. Nov. 26, 1819; m. William Perley,
of Harrison.
vi. Jonathan H., b. Feb. 19, 1821 ; m. Elizabeth
Bennett of Cumberland.
vii. Sarah, b. April 14, 1824 ; m. Artemus Mason,
of Bethel.
viii. Ann M., b. Sept. 26, 1825 ; m. Woodsum Mason,
of Bethel.
ix. Lucretia, b. April 7, 1826 ; m. Moses Cobb, of
Westbrook.
X. Ellen, b. Feb. 20, 1830 ; m. Leander Barker, of
Bethel.
xi. P:meline b. Dec. 22, 1833 ; m. Dunn, of
Bethel.'
3. Enoch Brackett, born in Westbrook, Me. ; married
Arminta Caswell, of Harrison, Sept. 21, 1818, and
settled near Brackett's Corners, " in this town.
He was somewhat eccentric, but acquired a good
pr()i)erty— had issue as follows :
i. Eliza, b. ; m. Amos Small.
ii. Ednah, b. ; m. Da\id Sawyer.
iii. Joseph, b. ; m. Lowell.
iv. Fannie, b. ; m. Daniel B. Sawyer.
4. John IJrackett, born in Westbrook, Me.; married
Miirtha Ann, daughter of Edward Lowell, Sr., of
Harrison, and settled on the "Bolster's Mills" road,
not far from "Caswell's Corner," where he now
lives. M r. Brackett married, 2ndly, Sanborn, 3rdly,
Stevens. Issue as follows, viz: Amos, Horace,
McrrlU^ Uewellyn, and Emma.
CHAPLm FAMILY.
37
5. Chatman Brackett, bom in Westbrook, Me. 5 mar-
ried Amanda Wight, and settled in Oasco. Chil-
dren— Joel J Elizabeth Jane, Ann and Charles.
6. Eliza Brackett, born in Westbrook, Me. ; married
John P. Lowell, of Harrison, Jan. 27, 1824.
CHAPLIN FAMILY.
The ancestry of this numerous and distinguished fam-
ily is traced back to Bradford, Yorkshire, England. • The
Kew England stock are descended from a Puritan who
was driven to Leyden, in Holland, and came thence to
Massachusetts, with the Eev. Ezekiel Eodgers, May 29,
1639. The first Bridgton and Harrison families came
from Eowley, Mass., about 1788. They are noted for
great size, many having weighed 300 lbs.
1. Jacob Chaplin, son of John, was born in Eowley,
Mass., April 13, 1782 ; married Miriam Jackson, in
1807, and settled in that part of Harrison that has
since been taken off to make the town of l^a]3les. Mr.
Chaplin separated from his first wife, and married 2ndly,
Dec. 18, 1835, Susan Kimball, by whom, as also by first
wife, he had issue. It is evident that Mr. Chaplin was
of Mormon proclivities, from the fact that he lived with
two women at once, each bearing children at nearly the
same date. His children were as follows :
i. Montgomery, b. in April, 1808 — d. young.
ii. Charlotte, b. in 1813; m. Sept. 23, 1827, to
Eeuben Doughty, of I^aples.
iii. Louisa.
iv. Benjamin, b. Aug. 4 lives in Harrison, on the
farm formerly owned by the Foster brothers,
and has several children.
V. Jacob, Jr., b. in 1816.
vi. William, b. in Sept., 1818.
vii. EiCHARD J., b. April 4, 1820 ; m. Laurietta May-
hue, (her mother was a daughter of Edmond
Kason, of Standish,) and settled in Naples.
38
Mr. Chaplin has a fine farm, and deals exten-
sively in Inniber and stock, l^o issue.
viii. GEOiiaE W., I). Sept. 4, 1823.
ix. Henry J., b. Dec. 5, 1827.
X. Montgomery, b. June 8, 1828.
xi. David, b. Xov. 23, 1830.
xii. PiiiLENA, b. May 11, 1832.
xiii. Thomas J., b. Oct. 16, 1833.
xiv. Elizabeth, b. June 13, 1842.
A part of the last seven reside in JIsTaples, but I have
no re<*or(ls or i)articulars.
Jacob ( 'liai)liii had brothers who once lived in the south
end of Harrison; one of them, the father of Hon. Caleb
Cliai)lin, of Harrison village; but there are no records on
tlie town books. As that part of the town was early
taken oti' to form Xaples, these families more properly
l>clon<i- to the history of that town, consequently I leave
details to future genealogists.
OHADBOURNE FAMILY.
All the Cliadbournes in Xew England are supposed to
bi' descended from Humphrey Chadbourne, who, accord-
ing to Dr. Farmer, canu' to this country ''on the invitation
of Sir Ferdinando Gorges and Capt. John Mason." Hub-
bard refers to hini as the "chief of the artificers," and
says he ^d)nilt tlie (Ijeat House at Strawberry Bank."
He afterwards removed to South Berwick, Maine, then a
p;irt of Kitteiy, wliere, in 1()43, he purchased of Boicles,
sarliem of tlie Wieliawanoeks, a large tract of land. He
iei)resente(l Kitteiy in the Mass. Gen. Court, in 1657 and
16.V.), and in Kiiii' lie was ai)i)()inted an Associate Judge
for tlie Connty of York. He died in Berwick in 1666,
aftiT a resilience in this country of about thirty-five years.
l>«s<en(le.l fi-oni Iiiiii tlirough Humphrey, William,
Ilniiiplirey, was
I. .lAMF.s Honns Chadbourne, Esq., who was born in
17(»6; niairii'd Dorcas Wliitmore, and came to
OHADBOTJEKE FAMILY.
39
Harrison as early as 1811. He had several brothers,
among whom was Capt. Silas, of Gorham ; Rev. Levi, a
Baptist minister ; Eev. William, a Baptist preacher, and
several sisters. Mr. Chadbourne located on the old How-
ard place, since known as the " Stanley place," situated
on the road that leads from I^ewell Trafton's, to Bolster's
Mills village. He was a tailor by trade — learned his
trade with his eldest brother, Silas — was a Deacon of the
Congregationalist Church, of Harrison ; many years a
Justice of the Peace 5 several years Town Clerk, and
served in many other positions of trust. He was a man
of candor, practical sense, executive ability and firmness }
a real gentleman of the old school, and was highly es-
teemed by his towns-people. He died in Harrison, Sept.
12, 1846, aged 75 years and 7 months. His wife died
^ov. 8, 1846, aged 75 years and 9 months. Their descend-
ants, as far as known, are as foUows : — Children —
i. Samuel Whitemobe, b. in 1790; m. and was
cast away upon Campo Bello Island. His me-
morial-stone, in the F. W. Baptist cemetery,
bears the following inscription : ^'Samuel W. Chadbourne,
who was cast away on Campo Bello Island, and perished
on the night of Feb. 14th, 1817, aged 27 years. He was
an amiable man, esteemed and lamented by all who knew
him ; he had been happily united in marriage five months
when it pleased God to separate them, but not forever,
having given them a lively hope that through the suffer-
ings and righteousness of Christ, they should meet to
part no more." His remains were removed from their
original resting-place, on the Island, to make way for a
ro£&, and were buried in the yard before named. The
cuiious free-stone monument that had been erected at his
grave, was brought into town with his body and re-erected
where it now stands.
ii. Phebe, b. June 12, 1791 •, m. to Aaron Kimball,
of Bridgton, and is now living in Boston.
iii. Charlotte, b. Sept. 4, 1793 ; m. to Lyman Nut-
ting, of Otisfield.
iv. Col. James, b. June 23, 1796; m. Mercy A.,
40
HARRISON, MAIXE.
daughter of Samuel Scribner, of Harrison;
settled in Waterfordy and had issue — Whit-
vwre, Scribner^ Charles, William and others^
wliose names do not appear.
V. KUFUS, h. June 20, 1798 m. Mahala, a daughter
of Jonathan Moors, of Otisfleldj settled in
Waterford; subsequently emigrated to Wis-
consin, where he died. His children were
Granville J Albion , Marcena, Malialay Julia, Hor-
ace, Frederich and Fernando ; the latter were
twins.
vi. Gardner, I). Oct. 24, 1800 ; d. when an infant.
vii. Gardner, b. July 17, 1802 ; m. Betsey A., daugh-
ter of Isaac Hall, of Gorham, and resided for
several years in his native town; he subse-
quently inoved to Lincoln, Me., m. a second
wife, and had a family of children, of whom
Martha and Mary survived ; several d. young,
whose names do not api^ear.
viii. William, b. May 20, 1805 ; m., 1st, Sarah,
a daughtei of Abraham Burnham, of Harri-
son ; 2ndly, Sarah Moors, (sister of the wife
of his brother Eufus,) and 3rd, Martha Ste-
vens ot Sweden. He settled near the home-
stead of his father ; is a farmer by occupation ;
has long been a member of the Congregation-
alist church ; is a candid, honest man, and
lives highly respected. His children are Wil-
liam Burnham, Sarah Jane and Flizabeth.
ix. CiiARLKS, b. June 10, 1808; d. young.
X. Slmeon C, b. June 11, 1809 ; m. Miriam, daugh-
tvY of l)ca. Edward Bray, of Harrison, and
settled in Waterford; subsequently he emi-
gratejj to the West. Children as follows:
1. CiiAULKS II., b. Aug. 14, 1834.
2. SrsAN, I). March 8, 1S3().
3. Gkohge, h. Sept. IT), 1838.
4. Joseph, b. Nov. 22, 1840.
5. Edward, b. .
OHADBOUENE FAMILY.
41
6. Phebe, b. .
xi. Humphrey, b. ^^ov. 1. 1811 ; m., 1st, Jane Wight,
of Otisfield, and 2ndly, Libbey (^). He
lived for some years in Harrison, but ultimate-
ly went to Molankus. Children as follows :
1. Jane W., b. Dec. 20, 1841.
2. Danville S., b. Kov. 6, 1843.
3. Harriet L., b. July 28, 1844.
4. Henry W., b. April 19, 1846.
5. JosEPHENE E., b. Jan. 9, 1848.
6. Humphrey J., b. Oct. 30, 1849.
7. Adellia, S., b. Aug. 3, 1851.
8. Irene H., b. Oct. 13, 1854.
9. Samuel W., b. Feb. 10, 1857.
10. Jane H., b. March 7, 1860.
xii. Dorcas, b. April 13, 1817 ; m. to Kathan Kut-
ting, of Otisfield, brother of Lyman.
xiii. Samuel W., b. March 17, 1817 j m» a daughter
of Solomon Bray, of Harrison, and for many
years resided in town. He emigrated West a
few years ago. Mr. Chadbourne was a great
horse-breaker and driver; had a son CyruSy
now in the West.
ANOTHEE FAMILY.
Benjamin H. Chadbourne, son of James, of Sanford,
was descended from Humphrey, the first ancestor, through
John, who was sometime of Kittery, bat who settled in
Sanford. This Benjamin had brothers, Levi, George and
Nathaniel. He married Polly Powers, sister of Kathan
Powers, and daughter of the Mr. Powers who married
the widow of Samuel Harmon, of Sanford. He came to
Harrison as early as 1807, and settled on the north-west
side of the " Hobbs Hill," on land now owned by Stephen
Whitney. The house was on the road that leads from the
head of Anonymous Pond to the Baptist Meeting House,
and the cellar may still be seen. Mr. Chadbourne was a
42
HARRISON, MAETO.
iiKis<)n by trade ; a man of gigantic powers, and has been
known t() eaiTV tfco bushels of grain on his shouklers sev-
eral miles. He made a journey from Sanford to Harri-
son on foot, when old, took a violent cold, and died Sept.
5, 1844. His children, eleven in number, were as follows :
i. Lowell P., b. Aug. 14, 1807 ; m. Darliska^
daughter of Samuel Willard, of Harrison, (see
Wiilard family) and died in 1844-48. His
widow married to Daniel Scribner in 1848,
Had one son.
ii. Ja^^ies M., b. July 5, 1809 ; m. Ruth, daughter
of Nicholas Bray, and went to Whitefield, N.
H. He afterwards returned to Harrison, and
thence to Amesbury, Mass., where his descend-
ants reside. No records of children.
iii. Hannah H., b. Nov. 18, 1811; m. to Jeremiah
Moulton, of Sanford, and lived there.
iv. Benjamin H., b. Oct. 4, 1813 ; m. Jane Chase,*
of Edgecomb, and settled at Lancaster, N. H.,
where he kept a store, and filled the oflBce of
Deputy Sheriff. He afterwards went to Illi-
nois, and during the war of the Rebellion sym-
l)atliized with the South.
V. Thomas W., b. Nov. 23, 1816 ; m. Emma D. Ar-
nold, March 10, 1858, and resided in Rockland
or Boothbay. He was Policeman and High
Sheritt" in 1858 ; afterwards m. a second wife
and removed to Boston, where he was engaged
in business with John Holman, his brother-in-
law.
vi. Nathan P., b. June 27, 1819; no other infor-
mation.
vii. Maky W., 1). Sept. 28, 1821; died unmarried.
viii. Dkhouah H., b. April 13, 1825; m. John Hol-
man.
ix. Sarah P., b. May 5, 1827 ; d. in the East.
X. Alfred H., b. Ai>ril 7, 1830; went to St. Johus-
bnry, Vermont, and learned the moulders'
trade, in the emi)loy of the "Fairbanks' Scale
CAESLEY FAMILY.
43
Company," and afterwards served as clerk for
a Steam-mill Company, there. He subsequent-
ly went South, and espoused the Rebel cause,
served in the Southern Army, and returning,
went into business with his brother-in-law,
John Holman.
xi. DoRATHY S., b. Aug. 8, 1862 ; no particulars.
OAKSLEY FAMILY.
This family is descended from an old French stock,
who spelled their names Chastelai " before coming to
America. They are not connected with the Casleys, of
England, as proved by recent investigation, although the
ancestors of the Kew England family, no doubt, had for
several generations resided in England. Three brothers,
•Edward, John and William, moved from the town of
Scituate to Barnstable, Cape Cod, in 1639 ; and from the
first of these descended John and Ebenezer Carsley, who
came to Gorham, Me., about 1760 ; their families were
among the so-called " Kew Lights " in that town j a peo-
ple that were very zealous, religiously, and are said to
have departed from the " Standing Order," to evade pay-
ment of the parish tax. John Carsley, born in Barn-
stable, Mass., about 1740, married Mercy Freeman, April
5, 1764, and settled in Gorham, where he reared a large
family, as follows :
1. Mary Caksley, b. in Gorham, Feb. 23, 1765 j m.
James Watson, (see Watson family) of said town,
and with her husband came to Harrison, among
the first settlers — ^probably the second white wo-
man in town.
2. John Carsley, Jr., son of John, was b. in Gorham,
Aug. 19, 1766 ; m. Martha Crockett, of said town,
April 16, 1790, and was the first settler in Harrison.
His "clearing" was on the "Eidge," near his brother
Kathan's, on the opposite side of the road from the resi-
dence of our townsman, Mr. George Cummings. Mr.
44
HARRISOX, MAINE.
CarsU'vMicd in 1823, and was burried in the F. W. Baptist
cenii*t(*ry, where his grave-stone bears the inscription,
-the tirst settler in Harrison." He liad issue, and some
of his descen(hints are supposed to be living in Eastern
Maine.
3. Xathan Caesley, son of John, b. April 9, 1767 ; m.
Susie, daughter of William and Elizabeth Cotton,
of (lorhani, (slie was born April 17, 1766) in 1791,
and settled on Lot ^o. 136, of Eange 1, in Harri-
son. He built a camp and worked with his brother John
in clearing land, in the autumn of 1792, but returned to
(iorham and remained until March, of 1793, when, with
bis wife, drawn on a hand-sled on the crust of snow, he
made his way from his native town, through the wilder-
ness, to this town. Here they remained and made their
maple sugar, and in their rude camp th^ir first child
William — the first cliild born in Harrison proper —
was born ; its mother being the first white woman in
town. It was then a custom to give the first male child,
lK)rn in a township, a lot of land consisting of 100 acres:
and it is said Mr. Carsley's object in bringing his wife in-
to town so early, and under such circumstances, was to
secure tlu^ "gift lot" for his child. They returned to Gor-
ham, an<l remained there until after the birth of their
second eliild, when they came back and settled perma-
nently in a rude log-house, near where Mr. Carsley kfter-
\var<ls erected his frame house, which is thought to have
l»een t\u\firsf built in town. I have taken great pains to
get at facts relative to this matter, and conclude that
.lames Watson, brother-in-law of Mr. Carsley, built his
framed \umsv first The tradition prevailed in town that
tlie iMiards with which the Carsley house was covered,
w.Tc <'anied on men's shoulders from the bank of Long
Poml, but this is incorrect. Deacon Seth Carsley, a
lnother of Nathan, drew the boards from Waterford with
a h)in- ox team, down the pond on the ice, as also the
buck for the chinniey. Mr. Carsley endured deprivations
and severe hardships, during the first years of his resi-
dence hei-e. The bears and 'coons destroyed his growing
CAESLEY FAMILY.
45
corn, and much of his subsistence had to be taken by
hunting. He frequently carried a bushel of corn on his
back to Eay's Mill/^ crossing Crooked Eiver on a log.
He was once setting a bear trap, in company with his son,
and several times warned the lad to be careful and not
get into the trap ; but when he had nearly completed his
work and was about to start homeward he caught his
foot under a bush and fell back into the trap himself, and
the long teeth penetrated his leg so deeply that he was
ever after a cripple. Mr. Carsley was a Deputy Sheriff*,
Selectman, and served in many positions of resijonsibility
in his day. He was a man of firmness, prudence and
uprightness j an extensive farmer for his day, and died
April 27, 1855, his wife having predeceased him, Sejjt. 20,
1853. They liad issue as follows :
i. William, b. April 14, 1793; m. Esther, daugh-
ter of David Fogg, of Gorham, (she was b.
Nov. 4, 1794) July 2, 1823, and settled in Har-
rison, not very far from his father's. Mr. Cars-
ley was born in a "sugar camp," the best accommodations
the town aftbrded at the time. The expectation of his
parents was, that he would be the legal claimant of the
gift lot, " in town, but he was born in Otisfield, before
Harrison became a town, and others saw the light, in the
former town, previously ; hence William did not succeed.
He lived where his son David now lives, and carried on
a large farm. Mr. Carsley d. Sept. 20, 1866, leaving a
widow (now — 1876 — living) and five children as follows :
1. Nathan, son of William, b. Jan. 6, 1825; m.
Mary E. Newcomb, (see Newcomb family) Aug.
4, 1852, and settled near his wife's father's, at
the center of the town. Mr. Carsley is a car
penter and builder, and owns a small mill ,•
he also carries on a farm. One child named
Lizzie.
2. Berthia D., daughter of William, b. Feb. 15,
1826 ; m. Oct. 21, 1861, to Andrew Chase, of
Lynn, Mass.
46 HARRISOX, MAINE.
3. William V., sou of William, b. Sept. 12, 1827 ;
in. Augusta, daughter of Samuel Smith, of
Bridgton, and settled as carpenter and builder
at the village — now in feeble health.
4. David F., son of William, b. Oct. 26, 1829 ; m.
Annie, daughter of Jonas Cummings, of Har-
rison, (see Cummings family) and settled on
the homestead farm. He has three children,
as follows :
i. Willie E. b. Feb. 28, 1867.
ii. Annie L., b. June 13, 1868.
iii. George P., b. Sept. 23, 1869.
5. Mary J., daughter of William, b. March 15, 1831 ;
m. Peter Hodgdon, of Gorham, in 1869, and
went to that town to reside. They are now
HWng at Harrison village,
ii. Seth, 2nd, son of iS^athan, b. in Gorham, March
12, 1796; m. Asenath, sister of Jonas Cum-
mings, of Harrison, (she was b. in Topsfield,
^lass., Mai cli 23, 1804. See Cummings family.)
Oct. 1."). 1822, and settled on the ''Pond Road," where
I^owell Foster now resides. He sometime lived in the
village, where Sanuiel Hardy now lives. Mr. Carsley m.
2Mdly, Polly Pitts, of Harrison, (see Pitts family). He
ral l ied on mills at the village, and was a celebrated plow
maker, when wooden plow^s were in use; he also invented
a machine to manufacture shoe-lasts and hat-blocks, and
made a Journey to Washhigton, D. C, in a gig, to secure
his iKitent, (the document, bearing date April, 2 1830, is
now in possession of his daughter, Mrs. Whitney, of whom
hereafter) and returned with his papers, bearing the auto-
graphs of Andrew ^Jackson and Martin Van Buren. Mr.
Ciirsley emigrated to Deertield, Warren Co., Pa., in 1838,
where he erected mills, and engaged largely in lumbering
l)usiness; this undertaking proving unsuccessful, he en-
gaged in mill-hnilding tor others. He erected his house
«»n the banks of the Alleghany River, and there beingno
bridges near, he invented a self-propelling ferry-boat, sup-
posed to be the tirst one known; the boats were carried
CARSLEY FAMILY,
47
across the stream by the current whicli ran against them
obliquely. This proved a ''paying investment." Mr.
Oarsley died in May, 1852, and was buried at Tidioute,
Pa. He had children as follows :
1. Betsey, b. Jan. 5, 1825; m. James Whitney, of
Harrison, and has issue — (see Whitney family.)
2. Sybillan, b. Aug. 25, 1828.
3. Infant daughter, b. Jan. 29, 1830.
4. David 0., b. March 20, 1832.
5. Silas R., b. Feb. 20, 1836.
6. Samuel H., b. Aug. 3, 1837.
By second wife, Glarh, Silas and Horace.
iii. Betsey, daughter of Nathan, I, b. Nov. 7, 1797 ;
m. April 25, 1824, Morrill Hobbs, Jr., of this
town, and afterwards to Almon Packard she
lived to a good old age,
iv. Berthia, daughter of Nathan, I., b. Oct. 25,
1802 ; m. May 31, 1827, John Dawes, of this
town, and is still living near the village — (see
Dawes family.)
4. Benjamin Oarsley, son of John, born in Oor-
ham, Sept. 23, 1769 ; married and settled in this
town, on the ''Pond Road," where Oapt. James
Eoss now lives. He was a carpenter and builder —
a powerful man, who could drink " full bumpers of the
ardent" without apparent effect. He subsequently moved
to Pownal, where he lived to an old age. He married
two wives, whose names do not appear, and had issue,
eight children, as follows :
i. Harriet, b. in Oorham, Dec. 28, 1800 ; now an
inmate of the "Old Ladies' Home," in Portland.
ii. GEORaE, b. Nov. 8, 1802 ; a mute.
iii. Freeman, b. March 18, 1805 ; m. Aug. 31, 1834,
Martha H. Phinney, of Gorham, and had issue.
iv. Mark, b. Aug. 7, 1807.
V. Charles, b. Sept. 19, 1810.
vi. Mary, b. Oct. 11, 1812.
vii. Lorenzo, b. Feb. 5, 1814 ; m. Betsey Bishop.
and had issue as follows : 1. Abbie M., b. Sept.
48
HARRISOK, MAINE,
1, 1843; 2. HmrieUa, b. Nov. 20, 1844, (m.
Freeman Bean.) 3. Eunice b. Sept. 26,
1850 ; died young.
viii. Mercy, b. Aug. 7, 1816; m. in Portland.
ix. Ai, b. in 1818.
X. Keuben, b. in 1820.
5. Berthia Carsley, daughter of John, was born in
Goi liani, Feb. 6, 1772; died the same year.
6. Isaac Carsley, son of Jolin, was born in Gorham^
Feb. 17, 1773 ; m. Jan. 18, 1797, Jennie Moshure, a
hidy of French descent, and resided for a short
time in this town. He was a carpenter and buikier ;
in ohl age moved eastward — ^probably to Wilton —
where he died, having had a family, named as fol-
lows :
i. Ja^ies, b. in Gorham, Jan. 28, 1798 ; m. May 8,
1822, Eliza Lincoln, and had issue, four chil-
dren, (all born in Gorham) as follows: 1.
AhUjail P., b. Jan. 11, 1823; 2. WUUam i., b.
:\larch 4, 1825 ; 3. Eoyal X., b. Jan. 6, 1828 ;
4. Eliza, b. Aug. 8, 1831.
ii. Louisa, b. hi Gorham, May 13, 1801 ; m. Mr.
Charles Davis, of Farmington, Me.
iii. Ja^e, b. in Gorliam, 1803; m. Sylvanus Davis,
of Farmington, Me.
iv. Isaac, Jr., b. in Gorham, in 1805 ; m. in Wilton,
Maine — name of wife not known.
7. JosiAii (^VRSLEY, son of Johu, born in Gorham, Oct,
7, 1774, of wliom no other information,
s. Dorcas Carsley, daughter of John, born in Gor-
liam, Jan. 20, 1781; married.
t». I)i:a. Setii (^arsley, son of John, born in Gorham,
Me., July IS, 17S2 ; married Jan. 22, 1809, Susanna,
daughter of Moses Wliitney, of Gorham, and set-
tled in Harrison. He ])urchased of Thomas Perley,
ot r.oxford, Mass., in ISO.-), Lot No. 20, 1st Range, 2nd
Division, then a part of liiidgton ; tliis land was con-
vcvr.lto 'SSt'th Carsley of (ioiham, laborer," for $400.
Thr dee«l was witnessed by John and Israel Perley. Mr.
OAESLEY FAMILY.
49
Oarsley built Ms first house in Bridgton — or on that side
of the road which was a part of Bridgton — but subse-
quently bought land on the Otisfleld side, and built the
present house. He early united with the F. W. Baptist
church, (one of its original members) was chosen a dea-
con, and served in that office faithfully during the re-
mainder of his life. He was a man of honesty and integ-
rity, and was widely known and highly esteemed for his
straightforward deportment, and sincere piety. His ac-
quaintance with his denomination was extensive ; he had
listened to the preaching of Benjamin Eandall, Joseph
White, Da\dd Marks and many other early ministers.
He retained his faculties in old age, and at the time of
his death, which occurred March 27, 1874, he was the
oldest man in his town ; his wife predeceased him, Dec.
16, 1873 ; their children, seven in number, were as fol-
lows :
i. Makia, b. Feb. 2, 1810 5 d. July 29, 1839— un-
married.
ii. Susanna, b. Dec. 18, 1811 ; m. June 13, 1833, to
0 Stephen Blake, and died Oct. 9, 1848.
iii. Edward P., b. March 25, 1815 ; lived at home
with his parents, and has never married.
iv. Nathan, b. April 20, 1817 ; m. Elizabeth Whit
ney, his cousin, in 1842, and settled in this
town. He worked as carpenter and farmer,
and had issue as follows : Umily A., b. July
16, 1843— dead; George F., b. I^oy. 20, 1845,
and John b. Oct. 18, 1848— dead.
V. John, b. Julj 16, 1820 ; m. Adaline, daughter of
Timothy Blake, of Gorham, in 1842, and d. at
his father's house, July 19, 1847, leaving one
child, Charles B., b. Oct. 1845 ; d. Jan. 23, 1846.
vi. Mary A., b. Feb. 21, 1823 ; m. Stephen Blake,
(who had m. her sister) and d. in Harrison,
March 19, 1867.
vii. EiCHARD P., b. April 13, 1826 ; m. Oct 7, 1851,
to Caroline M. Hayes, and resides at Newton,
Mass. He is a carpenter by trade; has had
HARRISON, MAIXE.
issue, two children, viz: JSdmond, who cL
yoiiiij;, and Harriet.
10. I':uNiCE Carsley, (huighter of John, born in Gor-
ham, April 30, 1784 ; married.
CASWELL FAMILY,
Caswell, is said to be a French surname. Savage
calls it " Caswell or Cassell^ They are distinct from a
family from Scotland who spell their name Garsicell. The
first known ancestor of this family was Thomas Cas-
well, of Taunton, Mass., one of the early settlers
of that town 5 from him have descended numerous
luanchcs, now rei)reseuted in several states. Alexis
( 'ASWELL, rresident of Brown University, was descended
Iroin the same an(^t^stry at Taunton. A son of the Thom-
as before mentioned, Stephen by name, was father of
Snii:oN Casavell, who came from Taunton, to Minot^
Maine, thence removed to Harrison, in 1797, and was an-^
i'estor direct of the families of that name, in that town
and lirid.nton. ]\[r. Caswell was born in Taunton, Mass.,
Maicli, I7().'i; married ^liss Rachel Staples, and died Oct.
IM, 1S44. He probably came into town with the Bray
family, and cleared a farm at the north-east part of the
town since known as 'tCaswell's Corner." He was rather
sliort but heavy built, with dark complexion. He was a,
Kevohitiduary soldier. Mr. Caswell had issue, eleven
(•liil(h-en. as follows :
1. riiii.ii' Caswkll, born in Taunton, 1786; married
IMiila l'»ray, (i)robablv of Minot) — she was born
Jan. L>S, 17S«)_in ISll, and settled at "Caswell's
( 'orners," in Harrison. He was a good farmer, and
s<'r\ ed in several town olliees. :\Ir. Caswell died Feb. 4,
1S71, a;i('(l ss y<'ars; his wife i)redeceased him, Sept. 30,
iSdS. Cliildren as follows:
i. Mary A., b. May 4, 1S1L>; m. to Enoch Haskell,
of Harrison, .June IM), 1833.
CASWELL FAMILY.
51
ii. Marques D. P., b. Aug. 29 J 1814; m. Lucinda
Cilley, of Gorham, Jan. 4^ 1843 ; settled on his
father's homestead as farmer and blacksmith ;
is the shortest man in town, save one, and has
had issue, as follows :
1. David E., b. elune 7, 1844; m. Hattie, daughter
of Daniel Haskell, of Harrison, in Oct., 1875,
and lives at ''CaswelPs Corner."
2. Marques E., b. May 17, 1846 ; d. July 14, 1849.
3. Cynthia H., b. Dec. 14, 1847.
4. Millard M., b. May 12, 1850 ; m. Hattie, daugh-
ter of Isaiah Webb, of Bridgton, in which
town he works as a machinist.
5. Albert B., b. Feb. 13, 1855 ; unmarried.
6. Cornelia F., b. Feb. 26, 1857 ; unmarried.
7. Clara M., b. May 12, 1859 ; unmarried.
iii. Ebenezer S., b. March 15, 1815 ; m. EmUy Lee
Barron, of Albany, in 1846, and resided for
several years in this town. He now lives at
Bridgton, where he works as painter and car-
penter. Children as follows :
1. Melissa J., b. IS^ov. 3, 1847 ; m. to Ansel Har-
mon of Bridgton, July 28, 1867, and d. May 8,
1873.
2. Ellen M., b. Dec, 1849 ; m. Albert C. Bangs, July
29, 1869.
3. James F., b. July 7, 1852.
4. Edoar M., b. Aug. 9, 1854 ; m. Emma Hayden,(!)
Sept. 7, 1875.
5. Attley M., b. April 1, 1857 ; unmarried.
6. Ida E., b. Jan. 22, 1859 ; unmarried.
7. Lillian, b. Aug. 21, 1862 ; unmarried.
iv. ArmintA, b. Feb. 9, 1818 ; m. James Edwards,
of Otisfield, (!) in June, 1848.
V. FiETTA, b. July 10, 1819 ; m. to Thomas Has-
kell, of Harrison, in Jan., 1844.
vi. BosiLLA, b. June 7, 1825 ; m. Henry Haskell, of
Harrison, in Jan., 1850.
vii. Abel A., b. Jan. 18, 1822 ; d. July 14, 1824.
HARRISON, MAINE.
viii. Alfred, b. Jan. 18, 1828; d. Aug. 1, 1831.
Philip Ciiswi41 liad thirty-two grand-children.
U. Fanny Casavell, b. Dec. 2, 1788 ; m. Robert Lamb,
of Otistleld, and is now lining in this toTVTi.
Simeon Caswell, b. Feb. 1, 1790 ; ni. Lydia Whit-
ney, and settled on ihe Sweden road, about one
iiiile above North Bridgton village. He and his
wile were buried near their home ; they had issue,
two daughters and a son, as follows :
i. Rachel, ^
ii. Abigail, > I have no particulars.
iii. Simeon. )
4. Marques D. Caswell, born in Minot, Oct. 30, 1791 ;
married Sally Nutting, of Otisfield, in 1818, and
settled at " Caswell's Corner," in Harrison, where
he now lives a very active, well preserved man for
one so old. His children, six in number, are as
follows :
i. Neaa^ll N., b. May 13, 1819; m. Elizabeth
Gethercole, (of English parentage) Dec. 30,
1817, and resides at Harrison Aillage. Mr.
Caswell owns lumber and grain mills, is a
good mechanic, and a very quiet and highlj^
respected citizen. His children are as follows :
1. Emily E. b. March 24, 1849.
2. HoLLis, b. May 22, 1861.
ii. Francis B., b. March 28, 1821 ; m. Eunice Rus-
sell, and settled in Bridgton, where he kept a
fancy goods and jewelry store, in company
with his brother. He, Mr. Caswell, carried
on cairiage manufacturing, and has been
S(»lr( tnian. lie m. 2ndly, Abbie Scribner ; has
son, Fntnhlin.
iii. Lyman, 1). St'i)t. 29, 1824; m. Mary Hancock,
and carried on carriage building, at Harrison
village, till his death.
iv. Akvilla, b. Ang. 9, 1827 ; m. Edward K; Wliit-
ney, of Harrison, Oct. 29, 1848.
CASWELL FAMILY.
53
V. Fidelia, b. July 8, 1830 j m. Samuel Gray, of
Harrison — now a widow at the village.
Yi. John H., b. May 6, 1833 ; m. Elizabeth Whitney,
of Harrison, and settled at Bridgton, where
he keeps a jewelry store.
5. Betsey Caswell, b. June 24, 1795 j m. to Josiah
Whitney, in the year 1826.
6. LiBEUS Caswell, b. March 16, 1797; m. Polly,
daughter of John Woodsum, of Harrison, Oct. 24,
1820, and settled where Mr. Farnham now lives, in
1836, having sold his farm previously at ' 'Caswell's
Corner." He died in 1856. Children as follows :
i. Mary A., b. April 26^ 1821 ; m. to Silas Stiles,
of Bridgton, and went to Aroostook County.
ii. John W., b. Oct. 31, 1822 ; m. Mary E. Puring-
ton, Feb. 23, 1851, and settled at Harrison
village, where he manufactures wire. Mr.
Caswell owus a fine residence. Children as
follows: Isabella^ Ulizahetli, Mary^ Affie
Wallace^ Charles A., Frederick^ and Franklin.
All unmarried.
iii. Jane, b. Jan. 3, 1825; m. John Cofi&n; 2nd,
William Smith ) 3rd, David Yarrington — now
in the West.
iv. LiBEUS A., b. Aug. 30, 1826 ; d. June 12, 1827.
V. AdAline, b. May 27, 1828 ; m. to Irish Fogg,
and lives in this town.
vi. LiBETJS A., b. March 15, 1830 ) m. Louisa Loomis,
and now lives in Iowa.
vii. Datid J., b. March 9, 1832 ; m. Isabella Frost,
went to Iowa and thence to ]N"ebraska.
viii. Emma C, b. May 31, 1835 ; m. two brothers, viz :
Mark and William Morton. In New Haven,
Conn.
ix. Abby F., b. March 17, 1838 ; m. to Simon Libbey.
X. ZiLPAH A., b. July 28, 1840; m. Wentworth
Stuart; 2ndly, John Gardner, and lives in
Boston.
.54
HAERISOX, MAIXE.
7 Zebina Caswell, born Feb. 13, 1800 ; married Dor-
cas A. Haskell, Sept. 22, 1822, and settled near
'^Caswell's Corner," next house below liis brother
Libeus'. Mr. Caswell was a man of information,
erudite, urbane in manners, and highly respected.
He died in Waterford, in 1875, and was buried at
" Caswell's Corner," in this town. Children as fol-
lows:
i. Almon, b. .
ii. Julia A., b. ; m. to Cyrus Baker.
iii. Catherine, b. .
iv. Albert, b.
V. Stephen, b. — ; m. and lives at South
AVaterford. He is a merchant.
8. Ar:\iinta Caswell, born Feb. 16, 1802 ; m. to Enoch
Brackett, Sept. 22, 1822. Lives in town.
9. Alanson Cas^vell, b. May 13, 1804 ; no particulars.
10. Tno:\iAS J. Caswell, b. in April, 1806 5 m.
Buntin, in British Provinces, and now resides at
Calais, Milltown. He has one son and six daugh-
ters. I have no records.
11. Hadassah Caswell, b. Dec. 6, 1808 j never mar-
ried.
OUMMINGS FAMILY.
Thomas Cuivimings, b. May 11, 1768 ; came from Tops-
ticM, Mass., about 1810, and settled on the hill where the
tow n farm is now situated. Mr. Ciimmings was descend-
ed from an ancient family in Topsfield, in England, and
lived a ncigl)i)or to the Kneeland family before coming
with tlicm to Harrison. He had a large family. Chil-
dren :
BAWES FAMILY, 55
1, Jonas, born June 9, 1798 ; married i^^ancy Piper, July
2, 1829, and lived in Harrison, where his son George
now lives. Mr. Oummings died about 1870. Chil-
dren :
i. Dorcas A., b. May 10, 1830,
ii. ZiBEAH B., b. Jan. 27, 1832 ; d. March 22, 1850.
iii. Albert F., b. April 20, 1835 ; now living on the
Bolster's Mills road.
iv. George H., b. Aug. 27, 1838 j m. Sarah Fergu-
son, and lives on the homestead place. Mr.
Oummings is a progressive, public spirited
man ; has served in the town offices.
'2. Foster, born Aug. 23, 1800 ; married Lucy, daughter
of Samuel Scribner, of Harrison, and lived in town.
Mr. Oummings eventually went West where he was
killed. He had four children, viz: Nathaniel^
Albion^ Caroline^ and one daughter that married
Samuel Miller.
3, ASENATH, born March 23, 1803 * married Oct. 15,
1822, Seth Garsley, 2nd, and died many years ago.
4. i^'ABBY, b. April, 1808 m. Peabody Kneeland.
5. Louisa, b. June 27, 1809 ) never married.
6, Elizabeth, b. Dec. 21, 1811 j married Sept, 27, 1832,
to Samuel Gray of Harrison^ and died Aug, 15,
1867.
DAWES FAMILY.
The family are presumed to be of English descent.
Several families were early in Massachusetts. The Har-
rison family came from Duxbury, Mass. Joseph Dawes
and wife, Mary Gushing, settled in the town of Minot,
about 1790, and probably went there with the families of
Sampson^ Packard and Howard^ as those came from Mas-
sachusetts, to this town, through Minot. Mr. Dawes
came to this town about 1802, and with his son, cleared
the farm where his grandson and great-grandson now live.
Mr. Dawes had one son born in Duxbury, Mass. His
first wife died July 22, 1789, aud he married 2iidly, ^
by wlioiii lie liad \\\o children. He died in tins town^
.Aiarch 21, 1S3.>. Children as follows:
1. CusiiiNG Dawes, son of Joseph, born in Dnxbury^
Mass., Aug". 2, 1775; married Mary Packard, (she
was l)orn in Duxbury, Mass., Feb. 11, 1780) in
IMinot, ]Me., Xov. 27, 1800, and soon after came to
this town. Tie settled with his fother on the farm where
the family have ever since lived. Mr. Dawes died Sept.
i:>, IS.Kij'aged 77 years. His ^^idow died May 24, 1874^
aged 94 years. Their children were as follows :
i. Nats'CY, b. in Minot, Dec. 8, 1801 ; m. Buckuell
Scribnor, of Hariison, Oct. 11, 1821, and died
Oct. 3, 1823, aged 21 years.
ii. John, b. in Harrison, April 21, 1803 ; m. Berthia,
daughter of Xathan Carsley, (she was born
Oct. 25, 1802) May 31, 1827, and settled on his
father's old farm, where he now lives. Mr.
Dawes has always been a pubUc-spirited man, and has
tilh'd many positions of trust in his town; has been Se-
lectman and Kepresentative ; is Justice of the Peace, and
Deacon of the F. W. Baptist Church. Mr. Dawes has
issue as follows :
1. SA3IUEL H., b. Sept. 18, 1828 ; m. Lucy A. Adams,
of this town, Jan. 19, 1851, and now lives on
the ''Old Dawes Farm." He is an active busi-
ness man, and has acquired competency. Mr.
Dawes has built a magnihcent residence on the hill, over-
looking the village, and has done much to beautify the
grounds about his house, makhig- it a very attractive
place. Chihli'-en— and Cora.
2. ^^ANCV, b. Nov. 8, 1831 ; m. Galen J. Deguio, of
P(U'tland, Jan. 19, 1854.
Silas ('., b. Sept. 15, 1840; m. Addie Frye, of
Lewislon, Me., Nov. 24, 1803, and now hves iu
Toledo, Ohio. He is General Agent for the
'M'nion Lite Insurance Company," ot Cincin-
nati, Ohio. He has two sons.
2. Hi:la Dawes, bom iu Harrison, Jan. (}, 1793; mar-
EMBRSOK FAMILY.
ried Eunice Walker, (see Walker family) Oct. 21,
1819, settled in Harrison, and had issue, of wliom
hereafter. Mr. Dawes died in 1870, aged 77 years.
His children were as follows :
i. Eliza, b. March 12, 1820 ; m. Benjamin Wheeler,
May 1, 1849 — lives in this town.
ii. Sophia, b. July 7, 1822; m. John Simpson, of
Saco 5 2ndly, Frederick Le Barron.
iii. Calvin, b. Feb. 5, 1826 ^ m. Susanna l^Tewcomb,
of Harrison, Jan. 4, 1853.
iv. Okin, b. Jan. 18, 1828 5 d. Sept. 1, 1831.
V. Levi, b. May 24, 1830 ; m. Angeline .
vi. Alanson, b. June 23, 1833 ; m. Melissa Wheeler,
(sister of Benjamin, before named) and settled
in this town. He has had a small farm, and
worked in the wire factory — now living at the
village. Has children as follows: Leman,
JohUj Nellie^ Lillie and Addle.
vii. Lois, b. July 28, 1836 5 d. March ?9, 1844.
EMEESON FAMILY.
Michael Emerson came from England, early in the
17th century and settled in Mass., where he reared a
family from whom descended William Emerson and
Theodore, brothers, who came from Methuen, Mass.,
the former in 1772, the latter in 1779, and settled in
Bridgton, Maine, and became the ancestors of the Emer-
sons in that town and Harrison. William Emerson
was born in 1748, married Elizabeth Myrick, a Welsh
lady, and died in 1827. He was by nature," says Ma^^-
shall Cram, "singularly fitted to aid'in the settlement of
a new country 5 he had a strong constitution, great pow-
ers of endurance, cheerful spirits and a kind heart." He
had issue, six sons and seven daughters, of whom one
settled here, viz :
Note.— This Dawes family is descended from the same ancestry as Congress-
man Dawes, of Massachusetts.
58
HAKRISOX, MAIISTE,
1. Maj. Jacob Emerson, Tb. in Bridgton, iu 1776 ; mar-
ried M'Avyj divugliter of George Thorns, of Gorliam }
(see Thorns family) purchased of Enoch Perley^
Lot No. V2y in Kange 1, of the 20th Division of
lots, then (171)7) in Bridgton. He bought, 2ndl3^, in 1807^
Lot No. 12, in Kange 3, of tlie 2nd Di\asion, of Thomas
I*erk\y. Tlie deed was witnessed by Sarah Wood and
^lary Terley, and acknowledged by Moody Spolibrd, Jus-
tice. ^Ir. Emerson purchased, 3rdly, of Thomas Perley,
of Boxford, ]NLiss., Lot No, 13, in Eange 3 — the deed of
conveyance witnessed by Sally Wood and Sally Warren^
and acknowledged by Stephen Peabody. Mr. Emerson
erected a house on the tirst mentioned lot, and lived there
while clearing land, some three years prior to his mar-
riage. I le sold this to Israel Harmon, who sold to George
Hanscond), who sold to Solomon ^^ewbegin, who sold to
Thomas Lakin, lu-esent OT\aier.
Maj. Emerson was collector in 1806 ; Selectman for
about ten years, and Eepreseutative for 1823-25-27 and
ISi'!). Tie was Ensign in the old militia, but on account
of i)olitical views, was superseded by Benjamin Foster^
who was i)romoted to Captain. But in the following
autumn Emerson was appointed Quartermaster, and after-
wards coiuniissioned ]\Iajor of the 2nd Regiment, of the
1st iirigade, 12th Division, Maine Infantry; this commis-
sion he resigned in 1816, when E. Mattoon was Adjutant
General. He joined the "Oriental Lodge'' of Freemasons
at North lUidgton, in 1806, and received the degree of
Master Mason, lie was Justice of the Peace for many
y«'ars, und served in many positions of trust, always sus-
^Miiiig the c(Milidence rei)osed in him, and i)roving him-
Nclf aji able man of his schook He was naturally grave,
ami of few words, but kind hearted and honest. He was
d«'ta<'hcd for service iu the war of 1812, but excused be-
i-ause of sickness in his family. Major Foster, of Bridg-
toii, kill<'d a moose on the day of Mr. EnuTSon's birth,
auiliie (Lnu-rsou) used to say "I remember well that
moliier lia<l moose-nu'at for dinner the day I was born.''
He lived resiKcted and died deservedly lamented, Aug.
FOSTER FAMILY.
59
7j 1865 ; he was buried on the hill a little way north of
his residence. His issue was as follows :
i. Mary, b. May 1, 1806 j m. Sewall Berry, of
Sweden, and is now a widow in Saco.
ii. George, b. Sept. 17, 1807 ; resides on the home-
stead with a maiden sister. Never married.
iii. Amos, b. May 5, 1809 ; was drowned in a brook
in Oarmel, Me., 1835, while in a fit.
iv. Lydia, b. Dec. 21, 1810 ; d. June 1, 1826.
V. EoBERT, b. Nov. 5, 1812 ; d. Oct. 18, 1813.
vi. EoBERT, b. May 26, 1814 ; went to sea and was
never afterwards heard from.
vii. Nancy, b. Oct. 16, 1816; resided at home with
her brother George. Never married. Died in
1870.
viii. William, b. Feb. 17, 1819 ; was a blacksmith,
and died in Portland, Oct. 8, 1844.
ix. Silas, b. April 24, 1821 ; went to California in
1841. ^
X. Carlos, b. Nov. 10, 1823 ; m. Orissa Bryant, of
Howe's Hill, " Paris ; removed to Illinois,
thence to California, where he now lives,
xi. LoviNA K., b. May 4, 1825 ; m. Elias Hanscomb,
of Lyman, now resident of Biddeford.
FOSTEE FAMILY.
The Fosters are of English derivation and came to
Massachusetts about 1640. They were intermarried with
the Feahodys and Ferleys previous to the coming of those
families to America, and while residents in Massachusetts^
as well as since their settlement in Maine.
AsAEL Foster came from Dan vers, in the year 1772,
Note. — I have complete records of the older generations of the Emerson fam-
ily and collateral branches, which belong more properly to the history of
Bridgton, and will be kept in anticipation of the published records of that town ;
a work which I sincerely hope some competent hand will soon undertake, and
avert their destruction by flre, as were the Proprietors' Records of that town-
ship. Author.
60
HAERISOX, MAINE.
and first sottleil at a place in Bridgton, since known as
I rcnshorongl)" — Lot Xo. 4, Eange 19. He built the first
ilium' house in Bridgton, and his TNdfe was the first mar-
ried woman that settled in that town. Mr. Foster died
in Ft'))., 1820, ''from the kick of a horse," aged 71 years,
having had issue, eleven children, named as follows :
Joseph, Asa el, Benjamin^ Francis, Moody, Lucy, Mary,
Sarali, Joanna, Behecca, and Meliitahle.
1. IjEx.tamin Foster punjhased land of Thomas Perley,
then in Bridgton, now in Harrison, bordering on
Crooked Biver, and near the laud of Maj. Emerson.
Here he had a rude camp and worked clearing-
land several years pre^ious to his marriage; he after-
wards erected a frame house, and married Xaucy Yeasey,
of Denmark. He planted twelve acres of corn on burnt
land, tlie first year of his residence in Harrison. Some
years after his marriage, and when the population of his
town had increased, I\Ir. Foster built a small grocery and
''grogery,"#liich was continued many years. The store
was the place where many curious scenes were enacted,
licing near tlie course of the river, the drivers resorted
tliitlier, where they could icet the inside to correspond
with the outside.
At one time one of the lumber- drivers feigned sick, and
one -Old Doctor lilack" was called to Mr. Foster's to pre-
scribe for him. While there the Doctor was invited to
take some of the ''ardent," which to refuse in those days,
woultl have been considered a transgression of the rules
of propriety ; consequently he shared in the "flow of the
1m)\\ !,"* and was soon as merrv as the merriest. Kow the
Di)ei(»r had a white-fivced horse, and Capt. Foster had a
nvliite-laced steer; and when the Doctor had become so
intoxicated as not to discriminate, the drivers changed
the saddle and bridle from the horse to the steer, and
l»lac«'d the Doctor upon his back. The poor frightened
creature was not ac(|uainted with such a harness, and
raising his tail high in tlie air, bellowed, and dashed
down rhe yard, i)recii)it:iting the "medicine man" head-
long nito tiie mud.
FOSTER FAMILY.
61
Oapt. Foster was once camping in Bridgton, wlien an
old horse, belonging to a neighbor, kept eating from his
hay-stack. The owner was requested to take care of the
horse, again and again, but took no heed. Coming in
from the woods one evening the old horse was found eat-
ing from the Captain's hay. Without any delay, Foster
commanded one of the men to hold the horse, when, go-
ing into the camp for a brand of fire, he made it fast to
the horse's tail, and giving him a smart cut with a stick -
sent him dashing down the road. The running of the
horse through the wind, caused the fire to burn more
brightly, frightening him more and more, and he never
ceased his running until he reached his owner's barn, and
stood trembling before the door. It may be unnecessary
to say that the horse never returned to trouble Captain
Foster's hay.
I have now to relate the most curious and sad alfair
(perhaps) in the experience of Mr. Foster, and one which
occurred in his early years.* He had been on an evening
visit to his ''intended," and was returning, when he
stumbled upon a huge bear. The bear made for him at
once, and to escape, Foster made haste to climb a small
tree — one which he supposed too small for the bear to
hug. But he soon saw her bearship coming up after him.
He climbed as high as he dared to, lest his weight should
break the tree. The bear took his heel in her teeth, tear-
ing away the slipper and flesh, and losing her hold fell to
the ground. Foster then supposed his danger past, but
he was again disappointed. She had no sooner recovered
her feet than she climbed the tree again, this time tear-
ing the flesh away from his heels, clean to the bones, and
both man and bear fell to the ground, the tree breaking.
Mr. Foster was "top of the heajj" when they struck the
ground, and ran with all his might toward his home —
the bear did not follow — and was so wild with fear
that he did not feel the pain of his feet until going through
*This adventure did not occur after his removal to the east side of Long Pond.
Mr. Foster was reared near the line, between Bridgton and Denmark, conse-
quently had not far to go. I give the tradition as related by his own family.
62
HAKEISOX, MAINE.
a field of rye stubble, a\ hicli, pricking tlie mangled flesh,
caused liini severe distress. He was made a cripple for
life, and probably considered bis bride a costly prize.
Capl. Foster died in Harrison, at the advanced age of 84
years, having issue, eight children, as follows :
i. Amos P., b. Oct 11, 1804 5 m. Annie Knight, of
Otisfield, and settled in Harrison. He was a
farmer by occupation, living where Samuel
Pitts now lives, on the "Pond road." Mr. Fos-
ter removed to Otistield, some years since, where his wife
died in 1809. They had issue as follows :
1. BENJA^^nN, son of Amos, and grandson of Ben-
jamin, m. Susan E. Clark, settled on his fath-
er's homestead, and has two children — Rose
and Clara.
2. Abigail, daughter of Benjamin — died young.
3. Ann, daughter of Benjamin, now living with her
fit her— u n m arried .
4. Kate, daughter of Benjamin, m. to Dexter An-
drews, of Otisfield — now living in Norway.
ii. Benjamin S., b. June 25, 1806 ; m. Esther Cush-
man, Jan. 15, 1832, settled m Harrison, on the
homestead place of his father, and d. Ai^ril
14, 1807, having had issue, three children, as
follows :
1. Cyrus K., b. Jan. 12, 1832 ; m. Mary E. Merrow,
Nov. 12, 1800 ; settled in Harrison, on land of
his lather's, and had issue — Cora JE., b. July
17,1801; George F., b. Jan. 14, 1804; IfelUe
ir., b. Aug. 28, 1805, and one inftmt— all dead.
2. Ezra T., b. .Alay 11, 1834; m. Marilla Merrow,
18()1 ; s(^tth'd in Harrison, in same house with
liis broth(>r Cvrus — no issue.
3. CiiAKLES W., h. Feb. 3, 1830 ; m. Frances A. Lib-
bey, Feb. S, 1S5<); settled on the homestead
place of liis fatlier ; removed to Bridgton, and
is now i)rea('liing the gospel, and working as
*ariM liter. He lias issue, three children, as follows:
POSTER FAMILY,
63
sSusie S., h. June 25, 1865 j Charlie, h. Oct. 10, 1866, and
miie L., b. July 20, 1868.
iii. ABiaAiL L., b. May 25, 1808— no other infor>
mation.
iv. Thomas Y., b. Dec. 17, 1810; m. Mary Ann
PMnney, June 8, 1828, and 2ndly, Alwilda G.
Fostei-, (his cousin) Nov. 29, 1850. Mr. Foster
settled in Stonebam after a short residence in
Harrison, and has speculated in land and horses — ^has
had issue, five children, as follows :
1. Stephen, who m. Emma Robinson — now dead.
2. Emeline, m. Purington, of Lynn, Mass.,
— ^now dead.
3. Abi&ail, m. to Eben Leach, of Portland — living.
4. Aj)Aline, m. to Augustus Barker.
5. Martha, m, to Frank RoweU, of Harrison.
V. IS'ANCY, b. Aug 25, 1813 5 no more information.
vi. Valentine Lotn^ell, b. Aug. 7, 1815 ; m. 1st,
Julia Scribner, 2nd, Ellen Blake, and 3rd,
Susan ]S"ewcomb. He resides in Harrison ; is
a farmer by occupation, and has issue, six
children, as follows :
1. Joseph, b. March 1, 1813 ; m. Hannah Edson,
of Harrison, and resides in that town.
2. Albert, b. July 9, 1815 ; d. Jan. 11, 1817.
3. Mary, b. Dec. 12, 1817 ; m. Hamblin.
4. Frank,
5. Ellen, and one other.
vii. GEORaE, b. in 1817 5 m. Ann Osgood, of Bridg-
ton, now a land speculator, resides in Portland,
Me., and has issue, four children, as follows :
Clinton, Arthur, Rose and Emma.
viii. Joseph, son of Benjamin, and brother of George,
as above, d. when a young man, at home.
Note.— The Fosters of South Bridgton, and in Eastern Maine, (Vassalboro')
are descended from the same stock, through Asael, Francis and Moody, who, as
before mentioned, were brothers of Capt. Benjamin, of Harrison. The celebrat-
ed "trapper and hunter," whose name is frequently seen in Maine papers, con-
nected with daring adventures in the backwoods, is a relative.
64
HAKRISO]Sr, MAINE.
GAMMON FAMILY.
I have not ascertained where this family originated.
They w(^re in town very early, and it is thought the
NapU's families are connected. I shall give the names
an(l dates as found in the records.
John Ga30ION, and Mary, his wife, were j)robably here
as early as 1800 ; they had children as follows :
1. Nathaniel k., b. Sept. 18, 1799.
2. Betsey, b. Dec. 24, 1800.
3. Sally, b. May 1, 1802.
4. Hasty, b. May 19, 1804.
5. AVeman, b. Sept. 21, 1805.
G. Jamison, b. Oct. 5, 1807.
7. Hannah, b. March 22, 1809.
8. Newell, b. May 22, 1811.
9. Abigail, b. Nov. 19, 1812.
10. Mary Ann, b. May 2, 1814.
11. Olive, b. June 9, 1816.
12. Joanna, b. Feb. 19, 1819.
GILSON FAMILY.
Tliey came from Groton, Mass. The surname is Scotch,
liiirk regards the family as very ancient. Simeon Gil-
son, ol" Ciroton, had a large family, and several of his
(•hi h hen settled in this town.
1. Levi Gilson, son of Simeon, was born about 1770 j
married Sybell Lakin (cousin of that Joseph who
settled in Sebago, and became ancestor of the
Lakms nt tliis town) and came to Harrison in March, 1803.
His llist dwelling was in the north of the town, where
Isaac Hall now lives. Mr. (Hlson married for his second
N\ itr, IMiilena, daughter of John Bucknell, and by her, as
also Ins first wife, he had ehihiren. He and his brother
IN't« r, and John an<l William Gammon, were set off in a
OTE.-John aud WUUam Gammon lived on the road that leads to Bolster's
GILSOl^ FAMILY.
65
school district by themselves in 1812. Mr. Gilson died
in 1830, and was laid by the side of his wife on ''Scrib-
ner's Hill." Children :
i. Levi Gilson, eldest son of Levi, 1, born in Gro-
ton, Mass., Jan. 14, 1795 ; came to Harrison
with his parents when eight years old, and
mairied Sally Carter, sister of Otis Carter,
and settled on "Gilson's Hill," where Major Stewart now
lives. He was a farmer, and had two children, as follows :
1. Charles, who m. Adaline Fogg; went South
and committed suicide.
2. GEOnaE, who m. and went South.
ii. Sybell Gilson, second child of Levi, 1, was b.
in Groton, Mass., Dec. 29, 1796; m. Zenas
Pool, of Greenwood, Me.
iii. Jacob Gilson, third child of Levi, 1, was b. in
Groton, Mass., Feb. 25, 1799 ; m. Sally, daugh-
ter of "Colonel Wood," of Groton, and settled
in this town. Mr. Gilson has been blind more
than fifty years, and endured great suffering. He can-
not distinguish between light and darkness, and yet he
can find his way in any part of the town unassisted ) he
has also cultivated a small farm, and finds his fields and
woods, guided by wires stretched upon stakes from his
door. In early life he embraced religion, and has ever
sustained a devoted christian deportment. His wife d.
in 1876, leaving him with one child, Sybell, on the town-
farm.
iv. EoxANNA Gilson, fourth* child of Levi, 1, was
b. in Groton, Mass., Oct. 28, 1800 ; m. WiUiam
Pool, brother of Zenas, 1)efore mentioned, of
Greenwood.
V. Abel Gilson, fifth child of Levi, 1, was b. in
this town, Sept. 2, 1803 ; m. ''down east," and
after a few years started for New Hampshire,
and stopped a night with his sister, in Green-
wood, and was never afterwards heard from . It is thought
his wife knew his whereabouts as she left a few years
subsequently, as suddenly as lie had done — probably to
join him.
vi. Mary Gilson, sixth child of Levi, 1, was b. ia
town, Sept. 17, 1804; m. March 18, 1827, to
Jeremiah Oummings, of Poland.
vii. Jonathan Gilson, seventh child of Levi, 1, was
b. Feb. 16, 18UC, and m. Almira Harris, of
Minot.
viii. Lucy Gilson^ eighth child of Levi, 1, was b.
Sept. 25, 1807 ; d. young — unmarried.
ix. Sandeks Gilson, ninth child of Levi, 1 , was b,
Aug. 14, 1809. No other information.
X. Susanna Gilson, tenth child of Levi, 1, was b.
Aug. 30, 1812. No other information.
xi. ScRiBNER Gilson, eleventh child of Levi, 1, was
b. Aug. 14, 1814.
xii. Sarah Ann Gilson, twelfth child of Levi, 1^
was born Sept. 17, 1816.
xiii. Paricer Gilson, b. June 21, 1818.
xiv. Lucy Gilson, b. Aug. 1, 1820.
2. Timothy Gilson, whose wife's name was Sally, was
a brother of Levi, 1. He settled in this town, and
remained here from 1803 to 1812 — ^possibly longer —
bat returned to Massachusetts and died there.
His children, born here, were as follows :
i. Celestia, b. March 10, 1805.
ii. Alpiieus, b. Feb. 7, 1807.
ill. Edward, b. Sept. 6, 1809.
iv. Sally, b. June 3, 1812; m. Clement Randall,
March 5, 1840.
3. Peter Gilson, a son of Simeon and brother of Levi
and Timofin/, before mentioned, settled in town
(•()iitein])(>raiy witli Ins brothers, and built a saw-
mill and grist mill on Crooked Kiver, below where
r»()lst('r's Mills wvw altcrward built. He was a man of
t'litri piisc nnd |)ubii(' spirit and served in several town
<»nir«'s. Ih' returned to Massachusetts, and became a
vsealtliy man. Hischihlren, born in this town, were as
GEAY FAMILY.
67
follows: JanejEachelj Johrij Robert^ Samuel, Uunice SiJid
Pattie.
Gray is an ancient Scottish surname, and ancestors of
the line figured extensively in the 16th and 17th centuries
in Great Britain j they may be properly called an emi-
nent historical family, and have everywhere been distin-
guished by great firmness of character. James Gray, a
shoe-maker by trade, came from Beverly, Mass., and set-
tled on land in Bridgton, between the Center and '^Hio."
He moved thence to Bridgton village, near Benj. Walk-
er's, and carried on his business of shoe-making. He sub-
sequently came to this town and located on the ^'Pond
Eoad," below James Watson's, where he cleared a farm,
and worked at his trade j his house was nearly opposite
the brick house built by his son, now owned by Henry
Kneeland. Mr. Gray married twice ; 1st, Mary Stickney,
and 2ndly, Polly Lewis — had issue by the first wife. He
died in town. Children :
1. James, married Hannah Thorn, and settled in Sebago,
as a farmer, and is now a resident of that town —
has issue.
2. Nathaniel, lives in Danvers, Mass.
3. Mary, married Freeman Whitney, of Harrison. (See
Whitney family.)
4. JosiAH, married Eunice Fuller, and lived at Danvers,
Mass., — now dead.
5. Eben, never married. Hied in Harrison, May 3, 1875.
6. William, married Mary Newcomb, Sept. 19, 1830,
and settled in this town near the ^^Newcomb Brook"
— the farm now owned by Gideon Eecords. Mr.
Gray emigrated to the State of Illinois, in the year
1870, and is now living there. He had issue, two
sons.
These three children of Simeon remained
GEAY FAMILY.
68
HAKKISOX, MAi™.
7. Irene, married Ebenezer Ingalls, of Bridgton, and
is living at Edward Gibbs'.
8. Hannah, married John Merro^Y, of Eaton, ^f. H., and
is now living in Harrison.
9. SA3IUEL, b. in Bridgton, March 9, 1807; married
Elizabeth Camming*, of Harrison, [sister of Jonas)
8ei)t. 27, 1832, (she was born Dec. 21, 1811, and
died Ang. 15, 18G7,) 2ndly, Fidelia Caswell, May
12, 18(58, (see Caswell family) and by her had Lizzie P.,
b. Oct. 1, 1809. Mr. Gray follow^ed farming for many
years, and built the brick house on the Pond Koad, where
llcniy Kneeland now lives; he subsequently engaged
largely in timber and lumber business, and moved to the
village. He died Feb. 21, 1872, leaving a widow and on-
ly child.
HALL FAMILY.
Hall is an English surname, and those who bear it are
very numerous in ^^ew England.
Isaac Hall, son of Ebenezer Hall, who was an early
settler of (iorham, and who left that town in 1740, on ac-
count of the Indian war, was born in said town. May 23,
1 770 ; married Anna Whitney, of said town, May 19, 1791,
and removed from (iorham to Harrison in Feb., 1812. He
st'ttlcd on the farm where Isaac Hall, Jr., now lives ; his
family, at the time of settlement in this town, consisted
ot a wife and seven children. Mr. Hall died Feb. 8, 1831.
His chddren were as follows :
1. MKiiiTAnLE Hall, born Nov. 0, 1793; married Ben-
jamin .Jordan, of Norway, in May, 1814, and died
Aug. 2, isr>i. '
2. Mei{( v Hall, born Jan. 31, 1790; married Capt.
^^ entworth Stewart, or StuarL settled in this town,
and died Oct. 29, 1843. See Stuart Family.
nrt Gray, Esq., now a prominent citizen of Harrison, belongs to
HALL FAMILY.
69
3. Mary Hall, born Oct. 16, 1798 ; married Solomon
Stuart, and is now living in town.
4. Joseph W. Hall, born June 29, 1801 ; married Sarah
Jordan, of Norway, and settled in this town ; he
subsequently moved to Lee, Me., thence to Lewis-
ton, thence to St. Paul, Minn., where he now re-
sides. Children: Albert; Emeline^ married Nathaniel
Getchell, of Monmouth ; Merrit J.; Esther A., married
floseph Crockett, of Lewiston; Harriet U.^ married Eev.
Otis Andrews, of New Sharon Charles and Isaac, Mve
with their parents — unmarried.
5. Betsey Hall, born March 18, 1803 ; married Gard-
ner Chadbourne, (see Chadbourne family) and set-
tled in this town ; afterwards moved to Lincoln,
Me., where she died, some twenty three years ago.
6. Isaac Hall, Jr., born Oct. 5, 1805 ; married, 1st, to
Betsey Cobb, and 2ndly, Dorcas Titcomb, Oct. 9,
1838. He settled in this town, on the homestead
of his father, where he has since resided, an hon-
est, respected townsman. Mr. Hall had issue as
follows :
i. Adolphus C, b. June 24, 1832 ; m. Fannie E.
Grimshaw, of Galena, Ills., — resides at Cen-
tralia. Ills.
ii. EosE A., b. Feb. 16, 1835 ; unmarried.
iii. Moses E., b. July 21, 1842 ; unmarried — at home.
7. Harriet Hall, born May 4, 1808; died Jan. 17,
1809.
8. Nancy Hall, born June 4, 1810 ; married Jonathan
Bucknell, of Harrison, and died July 9, 1855.
9. Hannah D. Hall, born in Harrison, Feb. 21, 1813 ;
married Samuel Stuart, April 14, 1831 ; settled in
Harrison, and died Dec. 23, 1868.
10. Silas E. Hall, born in Harrison, Oct. 2, 1816;
married Esther A. Pike, of Norway, in May, 1844 ;
settled in this toAvn, and afterwards moved to Nor-
way, where she now resides.
70
HAERISOX, MAIXE.
HOWAED FAMILY.
The Howards, of this town, were from Bridgewater,
^lass., and" are descended from an English branch, of an
ancient and distinguished Scottish ancestry. Some doubt
exists whether the Harrison Howards are descended from
the Howards or Hay wards, as there were families of those
names in Bridgewater, and both were pronounced alike
for many generations. The Howards spelled their names
'^HaicarcV The christian names Barzilla and Chloe are of
frequent occurrence in the Hay ward family, while I have
failed to find them in the early family of Haward. Josh-
ua HowAiiD,* married Susan Alger, and had a son
Joshua Howard, who was born in Bridgewater, Mass.,
in May, 1773, married Chloe, daughter of Samuel Edson,
of said town, and settled in Minot, Me., subsequent to
1798. After a few years he came to Harrison, and set-
tled on the farm afterwards owned by Dea. James Chad-
bourne, now the home of Franklin Stanley. He subse-
quently moved into a log-house, on what was long known
as the "Howard Farm," now owned by Jonathan Whit-
ney. At the time Mr. Howard settled on the latter place,
the house was without floors, and in the entry was a large
pine sfump, whicli his wife and her sister demolished with
their axes. :\lr Howard was a stone-mason, and erected
some of our county buildings. He died Sept. 19, 1844,
and liis widow, Sept. 21, 1857. They had seven children,
as follows :
1. Joshua Howard, eldest son of Joshua, was born in
J^iidgmvater Mass., ; married Eliza Walker,
sister of Dca. (diaries Walker, Feb. 22, 1821, and
settled in Harrison. He served in the war of 1812.
He worked as stone-mason and farmer, and died about
IS:U), leaving a widow (who subsequently, Sept. 9, 1832,
mamed David Woodsum) and tiro children, viz:
1. Eliza, b. Oct. 2!), 1S21 ; m. Samuel Abbott, (see
Abbott family) and died in 1875.
•Hia widow moved to Harrison and married a Paclcard.
HOWAED FAMILY.
71
ii. Joshua, b. April 1, 1826 ; m. Charlotte, daugh-
ter of Ephraim Cook, of Harrisou, and settled
in his native town as a farmer. He taught
school in town eighteen winters. Mr. Howard
has been a leading townsman, holding for many years the
office of Selectman, and has sat one term in the Legisla-
ture. He is a practical agriculturalist and looks toward
improvement in all things. Has issue, five children, as
follows :
1. Henry, b. Dec. 1, 1846 ; m. Delia Smith, of
Lovell, a widow, and settled as. farmer on
"Burnham's Hill." He has had tico children,
viz : Birdie and Lottie.
2. Etta, b. June 27, 1848 ; m. to Dr. Luther Kim-
ball, of Bridgton, and has issue.
3. Andrew, b. Aug. 6, 1850 ; m. N^ellie S. Morton,
and has issue, one son — Fred A.
4. Frederick, b. Aug 27, 1854 ; m. Ada, daughter
of Levi Harmon. (See Harmons.)
5. Flora, b. July 28, 1857 — unmarried.
2. Almon, born in 1793 ; married Nabby Brown, settled
in Waierford, and was drowned at Bridgton, in
Feb., 1840, aged 42 years and 5 months. He was
in the war of 1812. Children as follows :
i. Julia Ann, b. Feb. 24, 1827 ; m. Gibson.
ii. Susan M., b. April 3, 1829 ; m. Charles Goodwin.
iii. William, b. July 23, 1831 ; d. young.
iv. Edwin, b. j d. young — unmarried.
V. Lewis, b. ; d. young — unmarried.
vi. Almon, b. ; d. — unmarried.
3. Barzilla, married Lucy True, of Livermore, and
lives in Bridgton, where he is a stone-mason and
marble-worker. He has lost one leg. Issue as
foUows : Martha, Page, Sarah, Mien and another
daughter.
4. Susan, b. in 1805 ; d. Jan. 26, 1831, aged 26.
5. Elias, b. in 1808 ; m. Ednah Walker, (see Walker fam-
ily) Oct. 15, 1832 ; drowned Oct. 20, 1834, aged
26.
72
HARRISON, MAINE.
6. ED^^^N, b. in 1811 ; d. Jan. 24, 1833, aged 22.
7. Chi.oe, I). MdTch 13, 1812 5 m. to John Woodsum,
Jan. 1, 1831, settled in Harrison, and lias issue.
(See Woodsum Family.)
HOBBS FAMILY.
A family of Englisli descent. Early settlers of Ber-
wick and Waterborongh, where the name prevails at the
present day. Have been prominent citizens wherever
they resided. Mokrill Hobbs came from Waterborongh
early, and settled where his grandson, Reuben Hobbs,
now lives, on the "Hobbs Hill," and cleared a large farm.
He married Miriam Brackett, and had issue, ten children,
of w hom hereafter. Mr. Hobbs died Oct. 20, 1826, aged
70 years. His ^Yidow died April 18, 1836, aged 78 years.
They were buried in the F. W. Baptist Cemetery. Chil-
dren :
1. Reuben Hobbs, born in Waterboro' ; married in the
East, and dietl somewhere in the British Provin-
ces. No other information.
2. Abigail Hobbs, born in Waterboro' ; married Ben-
jamin Sanborn.
3. Henry Hobbs, b. in Waterboro' ; came to Harrison
with his parents ; married Jerusha, daughter of
Joseph Lakin, (she w as born in 1716) of Sebago,
and settled on the farm now^ owned by Mr. Ingalls,
a little way above the viHage, on the Anonymous Pond
road. He subscMpieiitly moved to the south part of the
town, and located where Benjamin Strout now lives, and
resi(h'd tliere till his deatli, which occurred Feb. 18, 1864,
at the age of SI years, 6 months and 21 days; his wife
«lie<l Aug. 2r), 1850, aged (ll years. Mr. Hobbs was a car-
penter and builder. His children were as follow^s:
i. Cynthia, b. INIay (>, 1806; m. Kiiapp, and
lived at South Bridgton.
HOBBS FAMILY.
73
ii. Henry Lewis, b. April 30, 1808 ; went away
when young and is supposed to be dead.
iii. Jerusha Lakin, b. ^ov. 29, 1810 ; m. Timothy
Barker, son of Jonathan, of Bridgtou, ISTov.
10, 1831.
iv. HULDAH, b. Jan. 5, 1813; m. Calvin Eussell, of
Harrison — living with her daughter at the
village.
V. Christiana, b. Nov. 7, 1815; m. Samuel
Wilkins, and lived in l^ewburyport, Mass.
vi. Mary, b. June 15, 1819 : d. unmarried, Feb. 6,
1869.
vii. Ira Crocker, b. Jan. 15, 1822 ; d. unmarried,
Jan. 28, 1848, aged 26 years.
viii. Benjamin, b. Aug. 2, 1825 ; m. Melissa Ann
Gould, and died Oct. 17, 1855, leaving two
children, viz : ^Jlla F. and Annie M.
ix. Miriam B., b. March 8, 1829 ; m. John Wood-
well, of Newburyport, Mass.
X. Morrill, b. in 1831 ; m. Melissa Ann (Gould)
Hobbs — -his brother Benjamin's widow — went
to Chicago, Ills., where he now lives, and has
two children.
4. Miriam B. Hobbs, born (probably) in Harrison, and
married Eobert Sanborn.
5. Polly Hobbs, married Samuel Dike.
5. Susan Hobbs, married Edward Bray, afterwards
''Deacon Bray," of this town, and died March 28,
1866, aged 76 years. (See Brays.)
7. Morrill Hobbs, Jr., b. Feb. 8, 1794; married Bet-
sey, daughter of l!^"athan Carsley, of this town,
July 4, 1820, and settled on the homestead of his
father, where he continued till his death, which
took place July 31, 1829. Mr. Hobbs was an honest, up-
right man, and lived respected ; he embraced religion a
few months before he died and passed away triumphantly.
His widow died Dec. 13, 1872, and was buried by the side
of her husband in the F. W. Baptist Cemetery ; their
children were as follows :
74
HAEEISON, MAIKE.
i. Eeuben, b. Aug. 50, 1821 ; m. Mary D., daugh-
ter of Buckiiell Scribner, (she was b. Aug. 25,
1822) March 8, 1812, aud settled on the home-
stead of his fatlier, on the '^Hobbs Hill," and
has continued to reside there. Mr. Hobbs is a public
spirited man, and has served as Selectman and Deputy
Slieritt— the latter for many years. He is an excellent
singer, aud has been a choir-leader for many years. His
children were as follows : Morrill B., b. June 5, 1843, d.
Oct. 15, 1807, and Naiicy D., b. June 20, 1846 — now living
at home.
ii. William, b. Jan. 26, 1823; m. Eliza Ann Skil-
lings, of this town, and for some years resided
at Bolster's Mills, where (having learned the
trade of tanner and shoe-maker, with Worthy
C. Barrows) he carried on shoe-making. His house was
nearly oj^posite that of Isaac Stewart. Mr. Hobbs, sub-
secpiently euiigTated to Ripon, Wis., and afterwards to
Russell, Kansas, where he now resides, and has a daugh-
ter Elizabeth ^ wlio married and lives at Oskosh, Kansas.
iii. Benjamin, b. Aug. 21, 1824 ; d. Aug. 31, 1825.
iv. Betsey C, b. July 15, 1829 ; d. May 18, 1848.
8. Charlotte Hobbs, born in Harrison or Waterboro' ;
married Benjamin MacAllister, Dec. 20, 1820.
9. John Hobbs, married Joan Whitemore, and settled
in this town, nearly opposite of the Charles Thoms
place ; he afterwards went to the town of Shirley,
near Moose-head Lake, and lived there until his
death. His children were, Morrill^ who married and
lived in Shirley, and Colby, who died unmarried. Mr.
Hobbs was a farmer.
10. Sally Hobbs, married Shepherd Sawyer.
HASKELL FAMILY.
The llaskclls were originally resident in Freeport.
Kn()(;ii Haskell married Mehitable Sweat, of Gorham,
and settled near Little Falls, in Windham. They came
HASKELL FAMILY.
75
to Harrison about 1812, and settled near Bolster's Mills ;
the old house has been torn down. Mr. Haskell was 94
years old when he died. His wife died in 1849. William
Haskell, who once lived where Mr, Seth Keen subse-
quently lived, was a relative. Enoch Haskell had issue,
as follows :
1. Daniel Haskell, born Feb. 17, 1805 ; married Phebe
Hicks, and settled in the north part of the town.
He had issue :
i. LoYiNA H., b. Nov. 9, 1838 j d.
ii. William M., b. May 28, 1841 ; d.
iii. George A,, b. Dec. 1, 1844 ; m. and lives at
home.
iv. Hattie E., b. July 4, 1847 ; m. Erastus, son of
Marques D. Caswell, of Harrison.
V. Edwin L., b. Aug. 26, 1849 ; m.
2. William Haskell, married Hannah Lamb, of Har-
rison, May 29, 1836, settled in the north part of the
town, as a farmer, and had issue, as follows :
i. Appleton, b. Nov. 4, 1837.
ii. Almeda E., b. June 6, 1843.
3. Enoch Haskell, married Mary Caswell, June 29,
1833, settled in Harrison as a farmer, and had
issue.
4. Simeon Haskell, married Polly Harmon, Dec. 22,
1820, settled in Harrison, and had issue, Otis,
Lydia and ffenry.
5. Thomas Haskell, married Arminta Caswell, settled
in the north part of the town, as a farmer and
painter. He has been a lover of the chase, and
for many winters followed hunting and trapping.
No children.
6. Dorcas Ann Haskell, daughter of Enoch, 1st, mar-
ried Zebina Caswell, of Harrison, Sept. 22, 1822.
7 Patience Haskell, sister to the preceding, married
Moses Moody, Nov. 20, 1825, and 2ndly, Columbus
Soule. •
76
HAKKISOX, MAIXE.
8. ^VrARCrARET Haskell, sister to tlie precediug, mar-
ried to Ora Hicks, Oct. 29, 1834. Lived aud died
in Harrison.
HAKMON FAMILY.
The Harmons were from Sanford, York County, and
were among the first settlers in this town ; there were
three families in town, but one was in no way connected
with the other two, as will be seen hereafter. jSTephtali
Harmon, son of Sauuiel, came into town between 1797
and 179!), i)urchased a large tract of land of one Moffatt,
and settled at what has since been kno\\ii as ''Harmon's
(,'orner." Mr. Harmon was active in all matters iJertain-
ing to town polity, and was looked upon as one of the
"fathers of the town." He was commissioned, by Gov-
ernor Caleb Strong, to a Lieutenancy in the 5th Massa-
chusetts regiment, Sept. 26, 1803, and confirmed as Cap-
tain in the same department, August 13, 1805. His first
dwelling-house was built on the south-west side of the
r(;ad, just at the road-corners ; here he had a black-smith's
shop, and carried on business simultaneous!}', with his
extensive farming and lumbering oi)erations. Mr. Har-
mon married .Meliitable, daughter of Kufus Harmon, of
Wells — his cousin — about the year 1788. He was born
Sei»tember 15, 1764, and his wife Oct. 8, 1768. Capt.
Harmon died Feb. 20, 1844, and his body rests by the side
of his wife, in the "Old Willard burying grouud," near
where N. Harmon lUirnham now lives. They had chil-
dren ar tblh)ws :
1. Lendkr Harmon, son of Nephtali, was bom in
Sanford, May 27, 1790; married Lydia, daughter
of Daniel Withani, (see Witham family) and set-
tled on what has since been known as "Harmon's
Ridge," in Harrison. He was an extensive land owner
and farmer, and, like his brothers, an excellent singer.
Mr. Harmon married, 2ndly, Nov. 16, 1859, Avesta Dear-
HAEMOlsT FAMILY,
77
born. Mr. Harmon's children, all by Ms first wife, were
as follows :
i. Mehitable, m. to Tasker Seavy, and had issue.
ii. Sally, m. Hill, of Harrison, and had issue.
iii. Xathaniel, m. and lived on the farm adjoining
Dea. Seth Carsley's, since owned by Haskell
Kneeland. He afterwards lived on his father's
homestead until his death. Mr. Harmon had
issue, as follows :
1. Henry, b. Dec. 4, 1841 j m. Wilie Eichardson,
of Naples, and for some years lived on the old
homestead, but subsequently sold to his brother
and removed to a large farm in Eaymond,
where he now lives. He has issue — Harry X.,
Louisa^ Belle, and Bertram.
2. Charles, b. May 13, 3845; m. Hattie E. Went-
worth, daughter of Benjamin Wentworth, of
Naples ; lives on the homestead, and has issue,
Caddie May.
3. Edward B. b. j unmarried.
4. Emery D., b. Dec. 26, 1860 ; unmarried.
2. William Powers Harmon, second son of Nephtali,
was born in Sanfprd, April 9, 1794 ; married Sally,
daughter of Samuel Scribner, (see Scribner family)
and settled in Harrison. He early embraced re-
ligion, united with the Oalvinist Baptist church, of
which he was clerk from 1827 to 1855, and deacon from
1829 until his death. Deacon Harmon was highly re-
spected for his honesty, uprightness and sincere piety ;
was one of the best of neighbors, and one whose word
and judgment could be relied upon. He spent thirty
winters in the logging-swamp, and was considered an ex-
cellent teamster. Like all of his family, he was a sweet
singer, and for many years was a member of the Bajitist
choir, in his town. Mr. Harmon married Mrs. Julia
Whitemore for his second wife, and died Feb. 23, 1873,
leaving her a widow with one child, namely, Ahna (7.,
who was born Feb. 9, 1858 ; married Augustus Kneeland,
of Harrison, in 1876, and has issue.
78
HAERISOX, MAINE.
3. Harrison Gray Otis Harmon, third son of Nepli-
tali, was born in Harrison, May 2, 1799; married
Snsan, danghter of Solomon Bray, of Harrison,
(see Bray family) and settled in Monson, Me., as a
farmer. Mr. Harmon died Kov. 23, 1872, leaving
issue, two children, viz :
i. SU3INER B., b. in Monson ; m. to Hannah Scrib-
ner, and lives in Monson — no issue.
ii. Mary D., who married Andrew Cushman.
4. Walter Powers Harmon, fourth son of Nephtali,
was born in Harrison, Oct. 20, 1807 ; married Han-
nah, daughter of Solomon Bray, (she was born
April 10, 1809) April 4, 1830, and settled in his
native town. He removed east and remained out of town
for several years, but subsequently returned and settled
near his father's homestead, where he carried on a farm
until the death of his wife, since when, having sold his
farm, he has lived with his son at the village. Mr. Har-
mon has long been identified with the Baptist church, in
towD, and is a genial, social man. Had issue, as follows :
i. Levi B., b. Dec. 10, 1834 ; m. Lydia, daughter of
Simeon Haskell, resides at the village, is a
wire- worker by occupation, and has issue, as
follows :
1. Ada p., b. Jan. 11, 1858; m. to Frederick How-
ard. (See Howard family.)
2. Jennie A., b. Sept. 3, 1862.
3. Emily A., b. Jan. 4, 1804.
4. Sarah F., b. Feb. 19, 1870.
ii. Sumner, b. in Harrison, Xov. 17, 1836; m. Em-
ma J. Hutl', of New York, and has issue, one
chihl, namely: Fleta^ b. Oct. 7, 1867.
iii. Sarah S., b. in Harrison, Aug. 15, 1846; m. to
Lincoln Walker, and d. in 1876.
5. Nancy Harmon, eldest daughter of NephtaU, was
born in Sanford, elune 1(>, 1792; married to Wil-
liam Ilaytord, of Hartford, and d. June 18, 1851.
HARMON FAMILY.
79
6. Sarah Powers Harmon, second daughter of l^eph-
tali, was born in Harrison, Nov. 3, 1801 ; m. Sam-
uel Scribner, of Waterborough, and d. April 18,
1846.
7. Deborah Chadbourne Harmon, third daughter of
^sTephtali, was born in Harrison, Jan. 6, 1805; mar-
ried Levi Buruham, (see Burnham family) June 8,
1824, and died May 30, 1868, leaving issue.
HAEMON FAMILY, No. 2.
Another family of Harmons came into town soon after
the preceding one, namely : Nephtali Harmon, son of
EuFUS Harmon, of Sanford, and who was a brother to
Capt. Kephtali Harmon's wife ; and to distinguish the
two townsmen of the same name (they were cousins) one
was called Captain (and by some "big Nep",) and the
other "little Nep." On the family papers the latter was
designated "Junior." ISephtali Harmon, 2nd, married
Polly Kason, of Sanford, (sister to the father of the two
ministers in the Christian connection) and settled where
Jonas Cummings subsequently lived, the farm now owned
by George Cummings, about two miles south from "Har-
mon's Corners," and adjoining the first clearing ma<le in
town, namely, John Carsley's. Mr. Harmon and wife
have been dead many years. They had fourteen children,
as follows :
1. Samuel Harmon, eldest son of Kephtali, 2nd, was
born in Sanford, Sept. 12, 1791 ; married Eunice, a
sister of John and Zebulon Johnson, and settled in Har-
rison ; he resided in various places in town. He was a
most singularly constituted man, sarcastic to an extreme,
and possessed of remarkable descriptive powers. His
stories — unreasonable as they ,were — had all the vivid-
ness of romance, and will not soon be forgotten by those
who knew him. He once came home into:^icated, and so
80
HAERISOX, MAI]ST:,
rich that lie thonght they nuist have a new set of cookings
utensils, and taking the kettles to the door, threw thent
over the house by the bails. He was once away from
home with another man, and lost his neck-comforter. He
supposed his companion liad stolen it, so secured the ser-
vices of a sheriff and made ready for legal proceedingSy
but the next moniing found the lost article in his boot-leg^
where it lodged after passing down his pantaloons. Mr,
Harmon died on the town-farm, in 1876, His wife prede-
ceasiHl him. They had issue,, ^'ve children, as follows :
i. David, eldest son, went to California^ and has-
not been heard from since,
ii. Ira C, second son, settled in Springfield, Me.
iii. Samuel F., twin to Ira, settled in Springfield^
Me.
iv. John, m. Robinson, and lives at Great
Falls, H.
V. Harriet J., m, Holt^ and lives in Boston,
Mass.
2. John Harmon, second son of Kephtali, 2nd, was
born in Sanford, in 1793 j married Mary Turner^
and settled in Harrison, and had several places of
abode 5 usually worked on the land, and died at
the bouse of Mr. Otis Haskell^ in 1868. His wife prede-
ceased him. They had six children, as follows :
i. Simeon F., eldest son of John, was born Sept.
18, 1818 ; m. Abby, daughter of Joseph Edson,
and settled in Harrison as a farmer. He has
children, as follows ; Austin^ Ella and Alvin,
ii. Susan W., eldest daughter of John, was b.
Nov. 16, 1822.
iii. John Allen, second son of John, was b. Jan.
10, 1824 J married Joanna Cobb, and had two
children, \iz : Utta, who m. Almon Thompson,
and Emma, now living in the family of Thorns
Ingalls. Mrs. Harmon has long been in-
sane.
iv. Eliza P., second daughter of John, was b. Nov.
16, 1827.
HARMOl^ FAMILY.
SI
V. Abby F., third daughter of John, was b. Nov.
8, 1830.
vi. Mary Ann, fourth daughter of John, was b.
in 1836,
3. Gee Harmon, third son of Kephtali, 2nd, was born
in Sanford, in 1795, and settled in Harrison, on the
"Pond Road," where he now lives, and from where
he may frequently be seen driving his "old trot-
ter,'' fishing on the lines as he jogs along, his tall hat
pulled well down over his eyes. He claims to be a JJni-
versaller and will probably die in the faith. Ko children.
4. EuFUS Harmon, fourth son of Nephtali, 2nd, was
b, in Harrison, in 1800, and died young.
5. Allen Harmon, fifth son of Nephtali, 2nd, went
to Minnesota many years ago.
6. William Harmon, sixth son of ^Tephtali, 2nd, died
when youflg — unmarried.
7. Kephtali Harmon, Jr., seventh son of Kephtali,
2nd, was killed by a horse in Kew Hampshire.
8. Betsey Harmon, eldest daughter of Kephtali, 2nd,
married Stiles, and died in Harrison.
9. Susan Harmon, second daughter of I^ephtali, 2nd,
married Daniel Whitney, of Harrison, in 1815—
dead.
10. Lucy Harmon, daughter of Kephtali, 2nd, married
Almon Lewis, May 4, 1828.
11. Harriet Harmon, daughter of Kephtali, 2nd, mar-
ried Getchell, and lived in Aroostook county.
12. Joanna Harmon, daughter of Kephtali, 2nd, mar-
ried Hall, and lived in Waterborough.
13. Polly Harmon, daughter of Kephtali, 2nd, married
Simeon Haskell, Dec. 20, 1820, in Harrison.
14. Pelena Harmon, daughter of Kephtali, 2nd, is
thought to have died unmarried.
Note.— Israel Harmon was in Harrison early. William Harmon, the Musi-
cian; Asa, the Shoe-maker ; Israel, late of Windham; Mrs. Rogers and Mrs.
Dodge, were of another descent.
82
HAERISOK, MAINE.
INGALLS FAMILY.
They were descended from an old family in Andover,
Mass.,* and were early settlers in the town of Bridgton.
Isaiah Ingalls came to Bridgton in 1779, and by two
wives had a large family. Stephen Ingalls, eldest son
of the preceding, was born in Andover, Feb. 28, 1778,
married a Kilbonrn, (sister to Capt. William Kilbourn,
sometime of Harrison) and settled on the Pond Eoad, near
the homestead of Col. Amos Thoms. I am not provided
with full particulars relating to this family.
1. Ezra Thoms Ingalls, settled on the old homestead,
and is now living. Mr. Ingalls has been Selectman
of his town, is a prominent member of the Metho-
dist church and Justice of the Peace, a highly re-
spected and worthy citizen, and prosperous farmer.
His children, so far as known, were as follows :
i. Hon. Melville E., who is a Bail Eoad ofiScial,
residing in Cincinnati, Ohio, also a lawj-er.
ii. KiCHARD M., a physician, in East Boston, Mass.
iii. Pascal, a physician, in Boston, Mass., — dead.
ANOTHEK FAMILY.
2. Spofford Ingalls, son of Asa and Patience Ingalls,
was born in Bridgton, July 7, 1776 ; married Lydia,
, (who died March 20, 1847) and had children
as follows : He afterwards came to Harrison, mar-
ried Sophronia Witham, June 25, 1848, and located
near where the old Witham house now stands, in
the east part of the town.
i. Davis L., b. Nov. 13, 1823.
ii. Sarah J., b. April 12, 1825.
iii. Theodore, b. Aug. 20, 1827, now living on the
stage-road, about one-half mile from Harrison
village — a farmer.
iv. Aaron H., b. Feb. 24, 1829; Uves at So. Bridg-
ton.
JOHNSOi^^ FAMILY.
83
V. Lucy M., b. May 28, 1833 ; d. Aug. 14, 1834.
vi. Charles H., b. May 7, 1836.
vii. Egbert M., b. Sept. 24, 1838.
Mr. Iiigalls had a daughter Sophronia by his second wife.
He married, 3rdly, Tamson Witham, a sister of his second
wife. He lived to be old. (See Witham family.)
JOHNSON FAMILY.
The Harrison Johnsons are descended from John John-
son, who lived near "Fort Hill" in Gorham ; he married
Eleanor Trickey, then of Westbrook, and had issue, seven
children, viz: — David, Zehulon, John, Susan, Rebecca,
Eunice and Mary, of whom more hereafter.
1- David Johnson, married Harriet Gilky, (sister of
Joseph Gilky who married his sister Mary) and
settled in Harrison, with another brother, on the
Zebulon Johnson place (so called) but aftewards
moved to other parts.
2. John Johnson, better known as Jack, was born in
Gorham, Me., Feb. 8th, 1792 ; married Mehitable,
daughter of George and Lydia Thoms, of Gor-
ham, (she was born Dec. 7, 1792) and sister of the
late Col. Thoms, of Hari ison, April 16, 1823, and settled
on the hill, near the pine grove, above Major Emerson's.
He purchased of Daniel Moody, in 1823, fifty acres of
land that said Moody purchased of John Davis (or Lewis
— ^the name on the old deed is indistinct) being the east-
erly part of Lot Ko. 10, Eange 2 ; also fifteen acres that
Moody had of "Emerson and Kilbourn," being the wester-
ly end of Lot 9, in Eange 1. There were buildings on
this land when Johnson purchased — an old "double
house" — situated a few rods back of the present
Note.— In the winters of 1806 and 7 there were twenty-seven scholars attend-
ing school in district No. 1, Bridgton, hearing the name of Ingalls— all of one
generation— brothers, sisters and cousins. See Cram's Address.
84
HAREISOX, MAINE.
house, aud near the old orchard. There was also a house
(perhai)s a log-house) in what is now John Johnson's pas-
ture, the foundation of which is quite distinct; wholiv^ed
there I know not — some say Sanborn, who subsequently
lived on land now in Mr. Thorns' pasture. Mr. Johnson
was a good farmer, and like^ most corpulent men, very
eccentric and merry. He delighted in sports, and will
not be soon forgotten by the younger generations, to
whom he related his curious anecdotes. In his latter
years his mind became somewhat impaired. He died in
his own house, when under the care of his eldest son who
succeeded to the estate, having had issue, five children, as
follows :
i. Susan, daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in Harri-
son, Sept. 23rd, 1823— dead.
ii. Berthia J., daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in
Harrison, ^^^ov. 6, 1825 — dead.
iii. John, Jr., was b. in Harrison, Dec. 23, 1827 ; m.
Lovica, daughter of Lewis Rogers, of Casco,
Feb. 24th, 1856, and resides upon the home-
stead place of his father. Mr. Johnson carries
on a large and productive farm, and is much interested
in raising improved stock. He preserves as family relics
a silver brooch and two pairs of silver sleeve buttons,
(they are very antique and curiously engraved) that were
formerly the property of his grandtather, also, nine very
small silver spoons, six of which are marked G. T. L.,
(George and Lydia Thorns) and three marked L. T., (Lydia
Thoms) all of which once belonged to his gTandparents
on the maternal side. He has been several years deacon
of the "Christian Church" in his to\vn— has had issue,
two children, as follows :
1. Nellie M., daughter of John, 3rd, was b. in
Harrison, July 31, 1858— unmarried.
2. G. Irving, son of John, 3rd, was b. in Harrison,
July 21, 18G5.
iv. David, son of John 2nd, was b. in Harrison,
Oct. 29, 1821) J some twenty-two years ago
JOHNSOI^ FAMILY.
85
went to California, where lie owns an extensive ranche.
V. Susan J., daughter of John, 2nd, was b. in Har-
rison, April 10, 1832 ; m. to Joseph B. Hatha-
way, and is resident in California.
3. Zebulon Johnson, a son of John, was born in Gor-
ham about July 1, 1787 ; married Nancy, daughter
of George and Lydia Thorns, of Gorham, (a sister
of his brother John's wife) Sept. 5, 1822, and set-
tled upon land bordering on Long Pond, and where he
now lives, (the oldest man in town — I think) under the
care of his children. He was quite an extensive, hard
working farmer, a man of "iron" constitution and indom-
itable energy. He once ''treed" a bear-cub near his home
and while a neighbor kept the old one away with a hand-
spike, he climbed the tree and knocked the cub on the
head ; he said that the cub would cry "marm" as plain as
a child, when he struck him with the club. Mr. Johnson
(whose wife died Sept. 15th, 1873, aged 74 years,) had
issue, eight children, as follows :
i. Mary, daughter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Har-
rison, June 28, 1822— dead.
ii. Robert, son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harri-
son, July 17, 1823 ; m. Martha Farnham and
has long been in Boston, Mass. ; he is a super-
intendent of the South Boston horse rail-road.
He has exerted a strong political influence in his district,
and was chosen State Senator, by a large majority, a few
years since. He married 2ndly, Amanda Simonds. He
has had issue, three children, viz : Martha F., Cora B,
and Jennie M.
iii. Lydia E., daughter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in
Harrison, Sept. 25, 1825 — living at home.
iv. Cyrus C, son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in Harri-
son, March 13, 1828 ; married Almira Sylves-
ter, of Bridgton ; settled in his native town,
near his birthplace, is a ^farmer and market-
man, and engaged quite extensively in trading
stock — ^has no issue.
86
HAKRISOX, MAINE.
V. Francis M., son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. id
Harrison, Feb. 15, 1830 ; married Helen Clark
and settled in Eastern Maine.
vi. Mary E., daughter of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in
Harrison, July 24, 1832 ; d. Aug. 18, 1832.
vii. William R., son of Zebulon, 3rd, was b. in
Harrison, June 24, 1831 ; m. Frances Edwards,
settled on the homestead of his father, and has
been largely engaged in trading horses, and
marketing, until within a few years, when his
health has been precarious. He has no chil-
dren.
viii. John M. B., youngest son of Zebulon, 3rd, was
b. in Harrison, May 21, 1837 ; he early left
home and has been in business in Boston sev-
eral years — is unmarried.
4. Susan Johnson, was born in Gorham, married to
Timotliy Ayer, of is^aples, Oct. 14, 1830. Mr. Ayer's
first wife was a Merrill, of Buxton, York Co., and
sister to Pattie Merrill, who married to Thomas
Ridlon, Sr., of Hollis, in said county ; also sister of the
mother of Rev. William W. Bryant, late of Kennebunk-
l)ort, and also sister of the mother of Robert Weiitworth,
Esq., late of Buxton.
0. Mary Johnson, was born in Gorham, Maine; mar-
ried to Joseph Gilky, of Harrison, and had issue.
6. Rebecca Johnson, was born in Gorham ; married
to Lewis Hanscomb, of Harrison.
7. Eunice Johnson, was born in Gorham; married to
Samuel Harmon, of Harrison — yes, she was twice
married to him — and had issue.
KNEELAND FAMILY.
Kneel AND is an Irish surname, and the family are
iiuiiM'iously represented in Great Britain at the present
day. The ancestors of the New England families, Philip
KKEELAND FAMILY.
87
and Edward, came from Topsfield, Essex Co., Mass.,
(the latter town was named for the one in England) where
many of the name were afterwards born. The brothers
came here for religions liberty. Aaron Knee land, son
of Philip, was born in Topsfield, in the year 1749, married
Hannah Ramsdell — of Scottish descent — and settled in
Harrison, Cumberland Co., Me., in 1808. He was brother
of David Kneel and who settled in Bridgton, and who
subsequently moved to Otisfield, where his sons, Asa and
Ephraim also lived.' Mr. Kneeland located on the farm
now owned by James Whitney, near that formerly owned
by Thomas Cummings, who had been an old neighbor of
Kneeland's. He died Oct. 4, 1833, aged 84 ; his widow
died June 10, 1844, aged 88 ; their children, all born in
Mass., were as follows :
1. Daniel Kneeland, born Oct. 23, 1774, lived in Ips-
wich, Mass., had a daughter married Joseph An-
drews, of Harrison. Died May 23, 1861.
2. Aaron Kneeland, born June 27, 1776; married
Lucy Hobbs, of Topsfield, Mass., and lived there.
Died Dec. 6, 1854.
3. Mary Kneeland, born March 24, 1778 ; married
Oeorge Hobbs, brother to Lucy, before mentioned.
Died July 1, 1860.
4. John Kneeland, born Xov. 28, 1780 ; married Ehoda
Hobbs, of Topsfield — resided there, and died June
23, 1855.
5. Moses Kneeland, born Kov. 16, 1782 ; married
Priscilla Peabody (relative of the London banker)
and settled in the field back of the present farm-
house of Mr. Needham. He died March 17, 1838,
aged 56 years. Mr. Kneeland had a large family,
and many of his descendants are now living in
Harrison and adjoining towns, but I have no rec-
ords.
6. Ezra Kneeland, born Oct. 6, 1784 ; married Polly
and settled in this town. He subsequently
went to the eastward, thence to Albany, where he
died May 30, 1868, aged 83 years. Some of his
88
HARRISON, MAINE.
children and descendants are now living in the ad-
joining towns, but I have no records.
7. Nehemiah Kneeland, born Feb. 24, 1787; died in
infancy.
8. Nehemiaii Kneeland, born May 5, 1789 ; married
Polly Goodhne, and lived ten years in this town.
He went to Lincoln and lived there eight years ;
thence with his family and all his effects, drawn
by an ox-team, he went into the woods where Topsfield
now is, and commenced a farm. With his sons he built
hiinber-mills, and secured an incori)oration, named for
Ids birth-place in Mass., and of his ancestors in England.
He lived to see his children — five sons and two daugh-
ters— married and settled about him, and his town a pop-
ulous and flourishing community. He died June 28, 1867,
aged 71) yeyrs.
i). Asa Kneeland, born Jan. 20, 1791 ; married Sally
Kneeland, (a second cousin) and lived several years
in Harrison. He afterwards moved East and died
there. No further information.
10. Simeon Kneeland, born Feb. 25, 1793; married
Hiiiinah, daughter of Elijah Richardson, of Water-
ford, and settk'd in this town, wliere Perry Russell
now lives. He lived in several places ; died Jan.
1, 1873 ; his widow died Sept. 23, 1870 ; their chil-
dren, as follows :
i. Daniel, b. July 27, 1820; m. Mary E., daughter
of Jolin Kneeland, (his uncle) and had Mart/y
Os(joo(l, Esther, Osborn, Harriet^ Uniily, Aman-
da, Charles H., and Freeman.
ii. Charlotte, I). Oct. 21, 1821; m. Cliarles An-
gier, and 2ndly, George H. Hamblin, of Water-
ford, when' she lives.
iii. Esther R., b. Jan. 2J), 1823; m. Otis Beau, and
hves iu Worcester, Mass.
iv. Oliver I\, b. Sci)t., 1821; dead.
V. Olivkr P., b. Aug. 11, 1825; m. Francis Bar-
ker, of Stoneham, settled in Waterford, and
KlsTEELAKD FAMILY.
89
has issue, Zenas, Mia — and by 2nd wife, Caro-
line Eichardson, of Denmark, Sidney 0., Cora
and Lillian.
vi. Elizabeth E., b. Sept. 23, 1829 ; m. J. Wales
Brown, of Worcester, Mass.
vii. Thomas F., b. Feb. 1, 1831 ; m. Jane S. Hamb-
lin, daughter of Joshua, of Lovell, and had
issue, Herbert 0., Albert S. and Delano B.
viii. Haskell P., b. Oct. 14, 1832; m. Marietta
Seavy, of Harrison, and lived several years in
his native town — now in Bridgton, and has one
daughter, Mertie.
ix. Georoe H., b. July 16, 1835 ; m. Jane Brown,
Aug. 20, 1863; lived with the parents, and
now in this town. Issue, Oeorge E.
X. Greenfield B., b. July 30, 1838; m. Mary
Whitney, of Worcester — has Harry and Fred-
ericlc O. ,
xi. Charles W., b. Aug. 20, 1841 ; m. Eliza Gris-
well, of Conn., in 1871, and lives at Bridgton.
Issue, Lillie J. and Florence L.
11. David P. Kneeland, b. May 24, 1798 ; m. Mercy,
daughter of James Watson, of Harrison, Jan. 21,
1817, and settled in town. Mr. Kneeland has lived
on several farms here, and is now living with his
son-in-law, Asa Whitney, on the Pond Road, and
is the only surviving child of his father. Children
as follows :
i. Almon, b. June 23, 1817 ; m. Dorcas Sands, (her
mother was Sarah Ridlon, of Limerick) and
lives at the village — keeps the '^Elm House."
Children as follows : Amelia M.^ b. June 10,
1842, m. Sherburn Eicker ; David P., b. Aug.
21, 1846, m. , and has issue — Orlando A.^
b. Feb. 8, 1849, and Evans, b. Jan. 9, 1851.
ii. Seth, b. Jan. 24, 1820 ) m. Mary Jane, daughter
of Simeon Whitney, March 28, 1853, settled
near where his grandfather settled, and has
issue, Silas and Walter,
00
HAERISOK, MAIKE.
KILBOUEN FAMILY.
Capt. Wilmam Kilbourn, supposed to be a son of
JoliTi, one of the enTly settlers of Bridgton, was settled
at the south part of the town quite early — lived between
Henry Buck's and where Thomas Lakin now lives ; the
house has long siuce been demolished, but there are some
ai)ple-trees near, and the cellar remains. Capt. Kilbourn
subsequently moved to Bridgton, and lived to a good old
age. He married twice; the first wife was Elizabeth
Senter, and the second Hannah Martin, of Bridgton ; she
died in 1875. Capt. Kilbourn's children, born in this
town, were as follows :
1. Helena, born April 8, 1805 ; died unmarried.
2. Enos L., born Jan. 30, 1808 ; married Khoda Shaw,
of Standish, and afterwards committed suicide.
3. Thomas D., born June 18, 1810 ; married a Kich-
ardson, aijd is now living in Sweden.
4. Jacob V., born Aug. 4, 1812 ; married Esther H.,
daughter of Eev. Joseph Phinney, of Harrison,
Nov. 13, 1845.
5. William T., born Dec. 20, 1814 ; died Nov. 22, 1818.
0. Jesse G., born May 8, 1817.
7. William T., born May 17, 1819 ; married a daugh-
ter of Benjamin Walker, of Bridgton, and is in
business in Portland, Me.
8. Samuel F., born June 3, 1821; married Mary,
daughter of Kev. Nathaniel Strout, of Casco, set-
tled in Bridgton, and has issue, three children.
9. Eliza A., born Feb. 25, 1824 ; married Theophilus
Towne, and resided in Lawrence, Mass.
10. Deborah S., born April 21, 1826 ; died March 25,
1829. '
12. Deborah S., born July 25, 1829 ; died Aug. 20, 1829.
11. Ben.tamin F.
1828.
born April 20, 1828; died Aug. 15,
LAKIK FAMILY.
91
LAKIN FAMILY.
Joseph Lakin came from GrotoD, Mass., and settled in^
Sebago. Several of his family settled in this town and
their descendants are numerously represented here at the
present time. Mr. Lakin married twice — his first wife
was Polly Simonds, the second a widow Cole, whose hus-
band had been frozen to death. His children were as
follows :
1. Jonathan Lakin, born in Massachusetts, married
Jane Loring, settled in Harrison and became an
independent farmer. Mr. Lakin served in several
town offices, lived respected, and reached the age
of 92 years, dying in 1872. He had issue as fol-
lows :
i. John, b. July 15, 1806 ; m. Charlotte, daughter
of Daniel Witham, (see Witham family) set-
tled in the south part of the town as a farmer,
and had issue as follows :
1. Ambrose, b. in 1839 ; m. , now at Harrison
village.
2. Eandall, b. Sept. 2, 1841.
3. George A., b. July 27, 1846.
4. Annie M., b. Sept. 30, 1847.
5. Emily, b. .
ii. LoRiNa, b. Jan. 24, 1808 ; m. Sophia H. Adams,
of Sebago, July 10, 1843, and settled near his
birth-place, his father's homestead, as a farmer.
Mr. Lakin lived with Judge Fitche, in Port-
land, when young, l^o children.
iii. Thomas P., b. April 12, 1814; m. Isabel M.
Ridlon, daughter of William Eidlon, of Sebago;
settled in the south part of the town as a
farmer, and has issue, as follows :
1. Almeda, b. April 4, 1848 ; m. John Wentworthy
black-smith, and has issue.
2. EzEKiEL, b. Feb. 10, 1850 ; unmarried.
3. JosiAH S., b. Aug. 28, 1852 ; unmarried.
92
HAEEISOX, MAIXE.
4. James, b. Dec. 28, 1855 ; unmarried.
5. Clara, b. May 11> 1858 ; unmarried.
(). Annie, b. Aug. 18, 1861 ; unmarried.
7. George, b. June 26, 1867.
8. Bradford, b. in 1873.
iv. George W., b. March 29, 1816 ; m. Statira Clark,
settled in the West, and became quite distin-
guished. He had issue, as follows : Fannie,
Mildred and Charles.
V. EzEKiEL, b. April 27, 1820 ; d. unmarried, 1846.
vi. Charles H., b. Dec. 16, 1824; m. Virene Mer-
row, of Harrison, and settled on the homestead
I)hice ; he subsequently, however, moved to a
form some distance south, near the "Willough-
by Scribner Place," but is now living two miles
from the village. No children.
\\\. Jane, b. Feb. 3, 1810 ; m. Capt. James Eoss, of
Harrison, and had issue. (See Eoss family.)
viii. Jerusha, b. March 25, 1812 — a maiden lady.
ix. Elizabeth A., b. April 18, 1818 ; married.
X. Susan, b. ; a maiden lady.
2. Parker Lakin, born in Sebago ; married a daugh-
ter of Dean Irish, of Bridgtou, and had issue, as
follows : Louisa, Mary, George, Frederich and
Fdward.
3. George, born in Sebago j married Philena , and
settled on the Brackett Woodsum place, at the
head of Anonymous Pond, as mason, carpenter
and farmer. He has a son, Willie, and two children
whose names do not appear.
4. Frederick, born in Sebago; married Emily H.
Burn ham, (see Burnham family) and emigrated
AVest. He has prospered in his farming opera-
tions. No issue.
5. Jerusha, daughter of Joseph Lakin, of Sebago, mar-
ried Henry Hobbs, of Harrison. (See Hobbs fam-
ily.)
LEWIS FAMILY.
93
LAMB FAMILY.
Egbert Laimb, married a daughter of Simeon Cas-
well (see Caswell Family) and settled iu Harrison. I am
not informed relative to the ancestry of this family ;
have requested records but they do not appear. The
widow of Mr. Lamb is now living with her son, Porter-
field Lamb, who has represented his town in the Legis-
lature of the State, and is a very worthy townsman.
He has several children living in town. Mr. Lamb is
cousin to the Lamb brothers who lived in the south part
of the town.
LEWIS FAMILY.
This family is descended from an old Welsh stock.
The name in Wales is spelt Llewis. Many branches have
scattered through Scotland, England and the Isle of
Man, as well as through the United States and British
Provinces. The Lewis family of this town was directly
descended from W^illiam Lewis, who came from Wales,
to Boston, Mass., in 1636, through Isaac, whose son Isaac
had a son Ahijahj who settled in Buxton, York County,
Maine. The latter had a large family, among whom were
Thomas, who lived sometime near Bonny Eagle Village,
in HoUis, and afterwards settled in Clinton, Me., where
he died leaving a numerous descent ; Ubenezer, who (as
also Thomas) was a preacher, and lived in CUnton, where
his descendants now live ; Samuel^ a preacher who some-
time lived in Harrison, on the Pond Eoad, nearly oppo-
site of Asa Whitney's present house, where he cultivated
a farm, and Ahijahy who married Betsey Eldridge, of
Buxton, Feb. 24, 1785, and settled at the south part of
the town. Mr. Lewis had a large family, some of whom
lived in this town.
1. Abijah Lewis, son of Abijah last named, married a
Boston, of Hiram — descended from an ancient
family in York, Me. — and' settled at the south part
of the town, in what was afterwards known as
94
HAREISOX, MAIKE.
the ^'Lewis yeiglil)orliood." Mr. Lewis was a good sing-
er, and long a member of the F. W. B. church. He was
a quiet, lionest man, and good townsman. He and wife
liave not been long dead ; his children were as follows :
i. Edward, who died after serving in the late war.
ii. George, who is now living in Biddeford— has
issue.
iii. Henry, who m. Elizabeth Jordan, and is now
living in Biddeford — has children.
iv. KoYAL, who has a family ; lives in Bridgton.
V. Clara, who married in Bridgton or Harrison.
vi. Maria, who m. to Thomas H. Jordan, and lives
in Lewiston*
vii. Harriet, a maiden lady, living Avith Marshall
Cram, in Brunswick.
yiii. Mary, who m. Littlefield, in Bridgton.
ix. Jennie, now with Harriet at Mr. Cram's.
2. Edward Lewis, son of Abijah, 2nd, and brother of
Abijah, 3rd, married a Boston (sister to wife of
Abijah) of Hiram, and settled in the "Lewis Neigh-
borhood," as a farmer. He and wife have long
been dead ; they had several children, viz :
i. Edward, Jr., m. a daughter of Amasa Sylves-
ter, of Bridgton, and lived in the "Lewis
jS'eighborhood." Several children.
ii. HosEA, m. Julia B. Jordon, daughter of
Thomas, of Naples, April 6, 1851. He Uved
in Harrison some years, and moved thence to
Biddeford, where he now lives. His wife died
in 1870. Several children.
Samuel Lewis, who lived on the "Pond Road," married
Phebe, daughter of Gen. Irish, of Gorham, and
moved from Harrison to Springtield. He had a son
A/,«(>/i, who man-ed Lucy Harmo'i, May 4, 1828, and
W ilham T., who married Abigail Newcomb, Nov. 15,
LOWELL FAMILY.
95
MARRiAaBS IN Harrison : — William Cox and Mary
Lewis, June 17, 1817. Levi Watson and Hannah
Lewis, April 21, 1825. Abial Scribner and Polly
Lewis, Dec. 22, 1828. Abraham Gray and Mary
Lewis, June 27, 1841. Perez Bryant and Nancy
Lewis, Aug. 16, 1846. Maria, wife of Charles Lewis,
died here March 24, 1847.
LOWELL FAMILY.
The Lowells of Harrison are descended from John
Lowell, who married Mary Chatman, and lived in West-
brook, Me. The name was originally "'Lowle.^'' John,
as above, lived awhile in Harrison, but died in the fami-
ly of his son James, in Windham.
1. Edward Lowell, eldest son of John, came to this
town very early, aeid his name is found associated
with the first settlers, in town business. Mr. Low-
ell married Martha Lamb, of Otisfield, (sister to
Porterfield Lamb's father) and located near "CaswelJ's
Corner," in the north-east part of the town. He was in
town at its incorporation, and probably several years
previously — was in several positions of responsibility.
He died in 18 — , and was buried near his home. His
children were as follows :
i. John, b. in Harrison, in 1801 ; m. Eliza Brack-
ett, of Harrison, Jan. 27, 1824, settled in Ma-
son, and had issue — Ahby^ Ira, Greenfield,
Charles, Elihu and others, seven in all. Mr.
Lowell is dead.
ii. Edward, b. in Harrison, in 18 — ; m. Sally Edes,
of Otisfield, Jan. 27, 1829 j lived in the latter
town, and had four children.
iii. Simon, b. in Harrison, in 18 — •, m. Ann Eobin-
sonj lived near ^'CaswelFs Corner;" was a
farmer; weighed over 200 lbs., and fell dead
with heart-disease, while watering his horse,
in 1871 ; his widow now living. Their children
were as follows :
96
HAREISOK, MAIKE.
1. Nelson, b. Jan. 24, 1827.
2. E:mery E., b. Feb. 4, 1829.
3. Mary M., b. Oct. 15, 1831.
4. EOSANNA, b. April 16, 1837.
5. Frances E., b. Oct. 30, 1839.
6. Elizabeth D., b. July 20, 1842.
iv. GeorGtE, b. in 18 — ; m. Lucinda Inman, went
eastward, and reared a family — now dead.
V. Martha Ann, ni. John Brackett, of Harrison,
Jan. 13, 1828 — now living.
y\. James, m. Eliza Lambert, of Otisfield, settled
near "Caswell's Corner," and carried on a farm.
He married, 2ndly, Elizabeth (Lowell) McKen-
ney, his own cousin, and falling dead with
heart-disease, in 1870, left her a \Yidow. Mr.
Lowell was a very large, corpulent man, weigh-
ing about 250 lbs. 6is children, all by his
first wife, were:
1. LUCINDA, m. Albert Caswell.
2. Hermon, m. Eebecca Elden, and Uves on the
homestead.
3. Hannah.
4. Willie.
^^i. Marshall, lived in Kennebunk.
viii. Hannah, m. Joseph Brackett, of Harrison.
ix. Catharine, never married.
2. Simon Lowell, son of John, married Sarah Mead,
of Bridgton, and lived in that town two years;
thence moved to Harrison, where he resided
three years ; thence moved to Brunswick,
wlicre lie lived 21 years ; thence to Springfield, where he
resided six years, and died at the age of 02 years. Mrs.
Lowell died at the age of 57 ; they had nine children*
namely :
i. Charles, m. Susan Lewis, of Springfield, and
had issue, Lorhm, Simon, Sarah, Charles,
iivonje, William, Elizabeth, Sman, Samtiel and
Augmta,
KEWCOMB— KEAL FAMILIES. 97
ii. Thomas M., m. Judith Harmon, of Springfield ;
settled in Carroll, was a miller and farmer, and
had issue, Jane^ Simon^ Elizabeth and Thomas.
iii. Sophia, died when an infant.
iv. James, died when an infant.
V. Susan, m. William Douglas, of Lee.
vi. Simon, died young. ,
vii. Jane, m. William Lothrop, of Carroll, Me.
viii. John M., m. Mary Jackson, of Lee ; is a farm-
er, and has issue, Ellen j John, Mary, Clara,
Jane, Edward H., Elizabeth, and others.
ix. Elizabeth, m. Cyrus McKenney, and 2ndly,
James Lowell, of Harrison, her cousin.
3. James Lowell, son of John, 1st, married Mercy
Hawkes, lives in Windham, and has three children.
4. Alexander Lowell, son of John, 1st, a roving-
character, died in Springfield, Me.
5. William Lowell, son of John, 1st ; married.
6. Jane Lowell, daughter of t^ohn, 1st ; married Eben-
ezer Small.
7. Mary Lowell, daughter of John, 1st ; never married.
NEWOOMB FAMILY.
The ancestors of this family were early settled in Bux-
ton and Gorham. John Newgomb was the ancestor di-
rect of the Harrison families. The name is frequently
spelt Newcomen on old records. They were not in town
early. As a complete Genealogical History has been pub-
lished of this numerous people, I shall not give particu-
lars.
NEAL FAMILY.
The STEALS are all of Irish extraction. Where the
family came from that settled in this town I do not know ;
98
HAEEISON, MAINE.
they were here very early, and their names are among the
first on the records of births.
John Neal lived on the top of the "Dawes Hill," above
tlie village ; the buildings were on the north side of the
road, in the small field now owned by Marshall Thoms,
but nearly every indication of a residence has disap-
peared. The barn was pua*chased by Philip Caswell and
moved to where Edward K. Whitney now resides. Mrs.
Xeal was called "Elizabeth Neal, Jr.," on the records.
No descendant of the family is living in town, and but
few statistics can be given. Mr. Neal was noted for his
"Irish wit," and many singular stories relating to his ec-
centricities are still told. He had children as follows :
1. JAIMES, Jr., b. in Harrison, Dec. 26, 1803.
2. Eunice Carsley, b. in Harrison, April 30, 1806.
3. Mary, b. in Harrison, March 15, 1808.
PAOKAED FAMILIES.
The Packards were originally from Bridge water, Mass.,
but many families settled early in Maine. The records
are so meagre, and nearly all connected having moved
away, I have failed to bring together any connected ped-
igree of the several families that lived in this town, or to
prove the relationship between them. I give what I have
found.
1. Jonathan Packard, born in Bridgewater, Mass.;
probably settled in Minot. He married Susan
(Algier) Howard, and subsequently moved into
this town, where he died Aug. 30, 1825, aged '76
years ; his wife predeceased him July 18, 1821. Mr.
Packard is said to have lived in a log-house, between
Dea. Cliarles Walker's and the old Howard place.
2. Mary Packard, supposed to be of another family,
was the wife of Cushing Dawes ; she was a sister
of the father of Henry Packard, the only one of
the name now living in town. Some say the fath-
er of Mrs. Dawes once lived in town.
PITTS FAMILY.
99
3. Almon Packard, married Betsey, widow of Morrill
Hobbs, of this town, Feb. 26, 1832 ,• they had a
son, George TT., born Jan. 8, 1833.
4. Eli?;abeth Packard, daughter of Jonathan, (?)
married Isaac Watson, Oct. 7, 1822.
PITTS FAMILY.
John Pitts came from Waterboro' and settled on the
north-west side of the ^'Hobbs HiU." He was probably
connected with the Hobbs family before coming into town,
as both came about the same time and from the same
neighborhoo(f, in their old town. Mr. Pitts was born in
1736, and died in town in the year 1827, aged 91 years.
His wife was thought to be a witch. Their children, as
far as known, were as follows :
1. Samuel Pitts, who married Lydia , lived for
some time on the hill near where Stephen Whitney
now lives. He had Jive children, born in town,
named as follows :
i. Polly, b. Jan. 15, 1801 ; m. to Seth Carsley,
2nd, and went West with the family. (See
Carsley family.) •
ii. Joseph, b. March 10, 1804.
iii. Daniel, b. July 4, 1809 ; m. Eachel Whitney,
and now lives in Kaples.
iv. Lydia, b. Dec. 5, 1811 j m. Stilman Leavitt,
Feb. 13, 1832.
V. Samuel, b. Feb. 17, 1818 ; m. Corlista Stuart,
Nov. 9, 1847, and lives in town. Mr. Pitts has
four children, viz : George, Silas, Bert and
Lizzie.
2. Moses Pitts, a son of John, sometime Uved on the
"Hobbs Hill," near his brother's. He subsequent-
NOTB. — There were evidently two old men named Packard in this town at an
early day. Walter Harmon remembers one as old, when he was a boy. Some
members of the same stock, in this State, are distinguished scholars.
100
HARRISOX, MAIISrE.
ly moved back to Waterboro' ; was a Calvinist
preacher, and had several children, named as fol-
lows :
i. Simeon, who m. Alice Pinkham, and lived in
Waterboro', HoUis, Scarborough and Naples.
He had issue, Hittie^ Francis^ Alice and Ida.
ii. Luke, who d. when a young man.
iii. Benjamin, who was a policeman in Portland.
iv. ^^^athaniel, who settled on a farm in Waterboro\
. PHINNEY FAMILY.
They were puritans from Plymouth Colony. Oapt.
John Phinney was the first settler in Gortfam, Me., and
the father of Col. Edmund Phinney, of Eevolutionary
fame. Edmund Phinney, son of Col. Edmund, married
in Gorliam, and afterwards moved into Harrison 5 his
house was some distance back from the road, on the lot
adjoining Deacon Carsley's, since owned by Haskell
Kneeland. The Phinney house is demolished. Mr. Phin-
ney died Jan. 18, 1828, aged 67 ; his widow, Sarah, Feb.
15, 1833, aged 72 years— were hurried in the F. W. B.
ground. His sons that hved here were as follows :
1. liEV. Clembnt Phinney, who married Joanna Wal-
lace, was a noted Evangehst of the F. W. Baptist
denomination — the first preacher of that order in
t<^wn. He built the house now owned by Henry
Buck, near the Methodist meeting-house, and reared a
large fiimily ; he died at his daughter's in Portland, when
quit^i advanced iu years. Children :
i. Stephen, m. and lived in Eaymond, Me.
ii. Decker, have no particulars.
iii. Mary A., m. Thomas Foster, of Harrison, June
8, 1828 — long since deceased.
iv. Eliza, m. Kice Kowell,
Note.— There wero families in Otisfleld bearins; the name of Pitts, supposed
10 nnve been (lisuintly conmicted; also iu Fairlleld, Somerset Co., Maine. They
were oriijinully from Mass. » j
PHimEY FAMILY.
101
V. Martha, m. Plummer, of Eaymond.
vi. Hannah, m. MacAUister, of Portland, mer-
chant.
vii. Almira, m. Sims.
viii. Sarah, m. Leach, of Casco.
ix. Abigail, no account.
2. Rev. Joseph Phinney, was born in Gorham ; mar-
ried Sally Whitney, of his native town, and settled
in this town. He preached several years ; was
very unlike his brother — eccentric, rough and loud-
spoken — who was gentle, and a great singer. He be-
came somewhat deranged in latter years, and died about
1870. I think his widow is still living ; their children
were as follows :
i. Esther, b. July 16, 1813 ; m. Jacob Kilbourn, of
Waterford, ^^ov. 13, 1845, and had issue.
ii. Jane B., b. Dec. 9, 1816 ; m. Amos Libby, (the
carpenter) and had issue. Hied Nov. 10, 1872.
iii. ^^ANCY G., b. March 24, 1819 ; m. Oliver P.
Haskell, of Windham, May 25, 1841.
iv. Sarah H., b. Oct. 16, 1821 ; d. unmarried —
probably.
V. Andrew E., b. June 22, 1824 j d. unmarried in
1848.
3. Thomas Phinney, born in Gorham, Me., May 5, 1799 ;
married Sally Woodward, of Gorham, Me., and
settled in this town, near '^Hall's Corner," on the
road that leads to Stuart's Corner." He was a
prominent and influential citizen, a man of eminent piety
and honesty of character ; served as Selectman, and in
several responsible capacities in his town. He had issue
as follows :
i. WiNSLOW H., b. May 7, 1824; d. July 31, 1848.
ii. Emily C, b. Jan. 7, 1825 ; d. Jan. 31, 1828.
iii. Emily C, b. July 6, 1828 ; d. Jan. 18, 1836.
iv. Samuel W., b. Dec. 15, 1831 ; m. Mary and
settled on the homestead of his father, but has
lived in Bridgton several years. He has issue,
several children.
102
HAREISOX, MAINE.
V. Mary H., b. March 14, 1837 ; m. Perry Eussell,
and lived in town — d. in 1875.
4. Edmtod Phinney, Jr., brother of Elders Clement
and Joseph, married Eliza Woodward, of Gor-
ham. Me., and was once a resident in town, near
the John Stanley place, but I can learn no partic-
ulars concerning him or his family.
PLAISTED FAMILY.
Joseph Plaistbd was probably descended from the
old family that settled in York, York County, some of
whom figured in the Indian troubles. He married Eunice,
daughter of George Thoms, of Gorham, (sister of Col.
Amos Thoms, late of this town,) and settled on the hill,
in the south part of the town, since known as the "Plais-
ted Hill." Children as follows :
1. Harriet C, b. Oct. 12, 1823 ; m. Jonathan Fogg,
son of Moses, of Harrison, Dec. 8, 1844.
2. Eliza, b. Oct. 22, 1825 ; m. Edward Hall, of Naples,
son of Joseph, and hves at Edes' Falls.
3. SiniNER S., b. March 10, 1831 ; now in Boston, Mass.
PEIEOE FAMILY.
They are descended from an old family from Groton,
and Waterto^\^l, Mass. George Peirce, Esq., was the
Proprietors' Agent for Otistield, and settled at "Peirce's
FaUs," now known as "Edes' Falls, as early as 1768. (?)
He was a man of business parts and a good penman.
His son, Oliver Peirce, settled in Harrison, where
Albert Gray now lives, and was for many years a prom-
inent man in town. He was born in 1762, came to Otis-
field when a small boy, married Sukey HaskeU, of Gor-
nain, and settled on one of the '^twin lots," where Albert
PEIROE FAMILY.
103
Gray now lives. Mr. Peirce acquired a large fund of in-
formation by intercourse with learned men, and became
a practical and useful man. He was a Land Surveyor,
Justice of the Peace, Eepresentative when the Legisla-
ture convened in Boston, and acted a prominent part
in all matters of polity. He represented his town in the
State Legislature when it sat at Portland, and afterwards
at Augusta. He was a Master Mason and Knight Temp-
lar. Mr. Peirce died Jan. 5, 1849, aged 81 years. His
wife died Aug. 26, 1819, aged 74 years. Mr. Peirce had
a brother Lem, who was drowned at Edes' Falls ; a sister
Molly who married Willoughby Scribner, of Harrison ;
and a sister who married Benjamin Patch. Mr. Peirca
had issue, as follows :
1. Mary, born Sept. 16, 1797 ; married Shepherd
Hawkes, of Minot; settled in Harrison, where
^sTewell Trafton now lives, and is now a widow in
Oshkosh, Wis.
2. GEORaE, Esq., born July 2, 1799 ; married Caroline,
a daughter of "Old Doctor Farnsworth," of Bridg
ton, and settled in this town. He was Adjutan
and Brigade Quartermaster in the old Militia ; Jus-
tice of the Peace over forty years, Coroner five years.
Governor's Councilman in 1827-8, Eepresentative in 1861
and Senator in 1865-6. He was Land Surveyor, and was
employed as agent for the firm of ''Haven & Tread well,"
of Portsmouth, I^. H., as lumberman on the Kennebec,
and Penobscot ri\'ers for thirty-six years, and during that
time had charge of all matters pertaining to the townshi})
of Dummer, in N. p. He was engaged in lumbering op-
erations on Crooked Eiver, in Waterford, transporting his
manufactures to Portland, by canal-boats ; he also car-
ried on lumbering business in Gorham, Me., in 1828-9.
Mr. Peirce is now a resident of Harrison village, living
in a fine house, erected by him in 1834 — a man widely
known, highly respected as a gentleman, christian and
citizen, children.
3. Deborah, born Aug. 8, 1801 j married Henry Eobie,
of Harrison, and died many years ago.
104
HARRISON, MAINE.
4. Haskell, born Sei)t. 28, 1803 ; married Beula^
claugLter of Dr. Burnell, and lived in town. He
was Colonel in the Militia, Representative in
1837-8, and snbseqnently became insane. He died
leaving two children: — Maria., who died young^
and Cyrus S., now a jeweler in Boston, Mass.
5. Oliver, born May 2, 1810 — died young.
6. Benjamin F. born May 10, 1813; married Abby^
daughter of Nathaniel Bnrnliam (see Bilrnham
family) and had issue, Frederick jR., born April 1,
1841 ; Hester A., born Jan. 11, 1843, married
Greeley, in California j and Robert 0., born Jan. 5,
1845.
7. Thomas T., born Sept. 5, 1817 ; ma^:ried Lydia Jane
Pratt, of Portland, and for many years liA^ed in
town. He emigrated to Lj^nd, Lion Co., Minn.,
many years ago, and perished by cold when fol-
lowing a line of traps, during the winter of 1875. His
children as follows : Henry i., born Nov. 4, 1842 ; Par-
ker J., born Nov. 17, 1844, and George, born Feb. 5, 1846.
PEELEY FAMILY.
Samuel Perley, came from Groton, Mass., and settled
in Harrison, at an early day — settled on the east side of
rtie " Scribner Hill," as a farmer. He was a cousin to
Enoch Perley, of Bridgton, and descended from a dis-
tinguished old English family, some of whom came very
early to New England. Mr. Perley married Abigail Lewis,
and had a large tamily, of whom hereafter ; he died Sept.
10, 1828, aged 01 years; his wife died in 1848, aged 74
years ; they were buried near his l esidence. Children :
r n ^'I^'T'^?^" Pelrce, the ancestor of this finmily, a weaver, came from Nor-
folk, Norfolk Co., England, to Watcrtown, Mass., in 1637. His son, Anthony,
ha(l ./o>-P/>// who ha<l,/o.W^wlu) ha^ fieorge, who was father of Oeorae, who
loa.ls the Otisflcld and Harrison families. There are numerous descendants
liviiiK in New hiiKiand. This family have spelled the name Peirce— the e hefore
tlie 1— insU'ad of Pierce. They have been eminently represented and well allied
in marriage in eai-h generation.
PERLEY FAMILY.
105
1. Samuel Perley, Jr., born in 1799 ; died unmarried,
Sept. 22, 1823, aged 24 years.
2. David L. Perley, born Oct. 24, 1807; married
Sephronia, daughter of Enoch Spurr, of Otisfield,
in 1835 ; settled on the homstead farm, and had
children as follows : — William 8., born Oct. 30,
1836 ; Kattie F, born Aug. 21, 1838, married Luther
Blake, of Harrison ; Oshorn, born in 1842 ; died
young ; and FJllen JL., born May 16, 1848, and died
young.
3. Isaac Perley, born March 1, 1810 •, married Cath-
erine Fowler — daughter of David, and sister of
John, the well-known stage-driver — settled on the
east side of " Scribner Hill," near his brother^s, as
a farmer, and had Maranda, born July 9, 1841,
and died young; and David F.^ born July 1, 1844 •,
married Annie, daughter of David Scribner, and
lives at home.
4. Luther L. Perley, born June 28, 1813 ; marrie(l
Sarah A. Potter, of Ipswich, Mass., in 1851, and
lived on the opposite side of the road near his
brother Isaac. He married 2ndly, Maria 0. Yin-
ing, in 1856 ; children : Osborn P., born July 15,
1852, now in Mass. ; and Emma if., born in 1857,
who married Asa F. Howe, of Rowley, Mass. Mr.
Perley died in 1859, aged 45 years.
5. William Perley, born June 6, 1816 ; married Lois,
daughter of William Brackett, of Harrison, Dec,
22, 1842, and lived on the stage-road, near
" Brackett^s Corner " ; subsequently sold to Lem-
uel Davis, and moved to Bridgton Centre; his
children were : — George P., born Sept. 7, 1844, and
Charles 0., born Xov. 4, 1848 ; these sons are now
in the hardware trade at Bridgton Centre v^illage.
6. Abigail Perley, daughter of Samuel, born Oct. 26,
1796 ; married 1st, Elijah Potter, (brother of Dea.
and Capt. Potter) of Bridgton ; aad 2ndly, Mar-
ques D. Caswell, of Harrison.
108
HAREISO^^^, MAINE.
7. Ehoda Perley, daughter of Samuel, born in 1805;
married Fuller A. Smith, of Bridgton, July 22,
1847.
EUSSELL FAMILY.
RussELLE is a French surname, early brought into Eng-
land, where the family has long been distinguished ; many
v^ery eminent cadets, as parliamentarians, authors and sol-
diers, having cast a halo over the whole family. There
were several representatives of the family-name who
came early to jSTew England. I am not acquainted with
the ancestry of John Eussell, who, ^vith wife Hannah,
were early residents of this town. Kames of their chil-
dren, as found on the town records, as follows :
1. Nancy, born Nov. 30, 1810.
2. Alphonso, born Dec. 29, 1812 ; married a sister of
Eev. Mr. Eaton, (descended fi^om an old family in
Salisburj^, Mass.) who once preached in town, and
settled here as a farmer. He now lives in Otis-
field. Several children, among whom are, Sarah
and Emma.
3. Calvin, born Feb. 25, 1815 ; married Huldah, daugh-
ter of Henry Hobbs, of Harrison, and settled in
the south part of the town, on the tarm now owned
by Mr. Strout. His widow is now living in the
^illage with her daughter Emma. Mr. Eussell died
some years ago.
4. Sally, born Sept. 9, 1818.
EOSS FAMILY.
Eoss is a french surname, (i. e., was first adopted in
France,) bnt was known in Eoxburghshire, Scotland, as
NOTK.— There were other daughters of Samuel Perley that died young, and
nmamed. j ot
SOEIBNEE FAMILY.
107
early as A. D. 1100 ; since then they have been widely
scattered through Scotland and England. I trace this
family only to Shapleigh. Jonathan Ross, son of
Jonathan, came from the latter town and settled in this
town very early — on the Edes' Falls road, where the
old Ross house " now stands. Mr. Ross married Polly
Goodwin ; he and his wife died at the age of 84, and were
burried in the F. W. B. burying ground. Children :
1. Joanna, married Benjamin Holden, of Sweden.
2. Jonathan, died unmarried.
3. Oapt. James, born Oct., 1806, married Jane, daughter
of Jonathan Lakin, of Harrison, and 2ndly, Mary
A. Smith. Mr. Ross lives on the Pond Road, near
the old Johnson homestead. Children :
i. Adelia, married Thomas Baker, of Waterford.
ii. Francis M., married to Henry Packard, of
Harrison.
iii. Orin, died when a boy.
iv. Etta, married to Alphonso Morton, of Harrison.
4. Betsey, married Jonathan Shaw, of Standish; 'and
2ndly, Henry Pendexter, of Bridgton.
5. Samuel G., married Phebe Clemmons, and died on
the homestead.
6. Joseph P., married Elvira Snow, of Cornish, or
Hiram, and had issue : Orin and Ahby. Lives in
Harrison.
7. Sally P., married Joel Mason, of Standish, April
18, 1843, and lives in Raymond.
SORIBNEE FAMILY.
Several persons bearing the name were in ^N'ew Eng-
land as early as 1640. The surname is from the Latin
word scriberCj to write, and was originally spelled Scrive-
nor in its Englicised orthography. The Otisfield and
Harrison Scribners were all of one line, and came from
Waterborough, Me., as early (some of them) as 1797.
Edward Scribner, 1st, came from the latter town and
108
HAREISOX, MAI^^^E.
settled in Otisfield, where he lived to be 105 years old.
He was father of several sous that settled iu Otisfield,
and of one who settled in Harrison.
I.Samuel Scribner, who settled on what has since
been called "Scribner's Hill," was a nephew of the
first Edward, of Otisfield. He married Hannah
, and had eight children, as follows :
i. Sally, b. Feb. 7, 1798 ; m. William Harmon, of
Harrison, July 5, 1818. (See Willard family.)
ii. BucKNELL, b. April 11, 1799 ; m. Nancy Dawes,
of Harrison, (see Dawes family) Oct. 11, 1826.
He moved to Lewiston and reared a family — a
daughter, Sarah B. j d. iu Harrison, April 25,
1844.
iii. Mary, b. Nov. 25, 1800 ; m. James Chadbourne,
of Harrison, (see Chadbourne family) March
26, 1818 ; lived in Waterford, and had issue.
iv. LucyB., b., Nov. 23, 1802 j m. Foster Cum-
mings, of Harrison.
V. Edward, b. Feb. 14, 1806 ; d. March 1, 1806.
vi. Samuel, b. Feb. 14, 1806 ; twin to Edward j m.
Betsey Spurr, of Otisfield, Sept. 22, 1830 ; set-
tled iu Lewiston, and had a family, as follows ;
1. Cyrus Edward, b. Jan. 24, 1831.
2. Ann Longley, b. April 3, 1833; d. April 19,
1844.
3. Margaret, d. Dec. 27, 1847, aged 3 years.
vii. Maria B., b. Jan. 8, 1810 ; m. John Caldwell,
of Paris, June 3, 1829.
viii. David, born Jan. 18, 1820 ; died in Harrison.
2. Col. Ebenezer H. Scribner, was born in Water-
boro' about the year 1775 j came to Harrison,
then Otisfield, and settled on the west side of
"Scribner's Hill," subsequently so-called, about
1797-8. He married Phebe Kimball, daughter of
the old land surveyor of Bridgton. He moved to
Waterford, thence to Raymond, thence to Portland,
and finally emigrated to the West, where he died.
He had a son :
SCEIBNEE FAMILY.
109
i. Benjamin Kimball, born in Harrison, June 3.
1811. ' '
Note. — I find that Edward Seribner, Sr., who settled in
Otisfield, had sons, Edward^ Jr.^ Joseph j John, Willough-
hy and Simon. Daniel Scribner, a supposed relative, mar-
ried Sarah Goodale, and came to Otisfield in 1799. Ed-
ward, Jr. J married Sarah Moody. Joseph married
Dockum. Simon married Abigail Gerrish. The late
Deacon Elijah Scribner, was a son of Daniel, and married
Dorathy Piper ; Cyrus, their son, was born Aug. 12, 1824 ;
married Hannah Prince, Aug. 12, 1866. Edward, Jr.,
before mentioned, had sons Clement, Daniel and Joseph ;
the two first are now living in town. Capt. Daniel Scrib-
ner, of another family, was in Otisfield as early as 1802 ;
he had three sons, viz : Joseph, who lived in Otisfield
and Gilead ; Daniel, married Hannah Sampson and went
eastward ; Nathaniel married Mary Smith, of Otisfield ;
his daughters are, 1st, the wife of Elder Joseph Wight,
of Harrison ; 2nd, widow Susan Cobb, of Otisfield. Reu-
ben, son of Nathaniel, is a single man, living in Otisfield.
John Scribner, son of Edward, Sr., settled with his
cousin Samuel on the ^'Scribner Hill," but afterwards
went west of Crooked Eiver. The late Deacon Elijah
Scribner was born in Waterboro', Jan. 11, 1800 ; came to
Otisfield when only five years old, and died Oct. 13, 1876.
ANOTHEE FAMILY.
WiLLOuaHBY Scribner, son of Edward, Sr.; mar-
ried Molly, a daughter of George Peirce, Esq., of Otis-
field, and settled on the farm since called the "Lamb
Place." He died Feb. 27, 1824, aged 51 years ; his widow
died May 20, 1838, aged 67 years they Avere buried near
Major Emmerson's, on the "hill." Children :
1. Capt. Peirce, bom Sept. 11, 1797 ; married Mary
Springer, daughter of Jonathan, of Harrison, Feb.
110
HAREISOX; MAINE.
10, 1824, aud died Oct. 8, 1831. His widow died
April 29, 1870, aged 70 years. Deborah^ daughter
of Peirce Scribner, died in Harrison, June 10, 1850.
2. Alvah, born in 1805 ; married rTane Phinney of Har-
rison, June 10, 1827, and died Dec. 19, 1862 j Ms
wife ijredeceased liim Oct. 13, 1844, aged 41 years.
3. Deborah, born in 1809 ; died March 12, 1826.
ANOTHEE FAMILY.
Edward Scribner, of Waterborough, Me., married
Molly, a daughter of Joseph and Deborah (Wentworth)
Kicker, and died in March, '1804, having issue as follows:
1. David, born 1795 ; married, in 1822, Althea Haviland ;
she died in Feb. 1843, and he married, 2ndly, a
widow Whitmore. Children as follows.
i. Charles, b. in 1823.
ii. Mary, b. in 1825.
iii. Albert, b. in 1827.
iv. Sarah, b. in 1829.
V. Francis, b. in 1831.
vi. James, b. in 1833.
vii. OcTAVA, b. in 1835.
viii. David, b. in 1837. And two daughters by a
second wife.
2. Rebecca, born in 1796 ; died unmarried.
3. Deborah, born in 1799 j married ISTewell Cutting, of
Otistield.
4. Sarah, born in 1801 j married Benjamin Sanborn, of
Webster.
5. Mary, born in 1804.
STEIOKLAND FAMILY.
Few families can boast of an ancestry more distin-
guished than the Strickhinds', an ancient house now rep-
resented in Eiighmd by Walter Strickland, Esq., of
STEWAET FAMILY.
Ill
Syzergh Hall, which has been the family-seat for several
centuries. I have not been able to find where the Harri-
son family came from. John Strickland, and his wife,
Eachel, were among the first settlers in town ; they lived
near the present residence of Heber Kimball, and had
family as follows :
1. Otis Strickland, born in Harrison, Aug. 17, 1799.
2. Salome, born Jan. 10, 1802 ; died Sept. 3, 1804.
3. Benjamin, bom July 1, 1803 ; died Sept. 21, 1804.
4. Daniel Dudley, born Feb. 16, 1806.
5. Martin, born Nov. 4, 1808.
6. Hannah, born June 20, 1811.
Mr, Strickland sold his house to Jonathan Springer.
He made brick at the village— had second wife, Hannah.
This family left town when the children were young, as
there are no records of a marriage of any member.
STEWART FAMILY.
The Stewarts are descended from an ancient and dis-
tinguished historical Scottish family, through an ancestry
that had settled in Ulster, Ireland; and the early Maine
families were among the Scotch-Irish immigrants that came
over in 1718-20. Our Harrison families are immediately
descended from Capt. Wentworth Stewart, who with his
wife Susanna (Lombard) came from Truro, Mass., to Gor-
ham. He was Eepresentative to the General Court of
Mass. in 1773-4 ; was an oflScer in the Eevolution, and
died of small-pox, April 17, 1776, at SewalPs Point, near
Boston. His children were ten in number.
1. Wentworth Stewart, came from Gorham to this
town, and married Mercy Hall, April 25, 1814.
He settled in the north-east part of the town, as a
farmer ; was a man of considerable force of char-
acter J served as Justice of the Peace, and in other
town-oflBlces. He had a family as follows :
i. Moses, born Nov. 13, 1816; died in 1840, un-
married.
112
HAEEISON, MAINE.
ii. Benjamin S., b. Oct. 28, 1818 ; died Sept. 20, 1820.
iii. Charles E., b. Oct. 9, 1821 ; m. Lydia, daugh-
ter of William TwomlDly, of Harrison, and lives
in town. Mr. Stewart is an auctioneer and
pedler ; has a daughter named Lelia M.
iv. Maria, b. June 5, 1824 ; m. Francis Chute of
Otisfield.
V. Charlotte, b. April 11, 1828; m. Thomas
Grace, of Casco.
vi. Laura J., b. July 16, 1835 ; m. Henry Kilgore,
of Waterford.
2. Joseph Stewart, was born in Gorham ; married
Nancy Lombard, of that town; settled near his
brother Solomon's in Harrison ; was a farmer and
wheel wright, and had issue as follows :
i. Fannie, who m. Merrill Skillings, Dec. 2, 1824.
ii. Samuel, who m. Hadinah Hall, of Harrison,
April 17, 1832, and had issue as follows :
1. Albert H., b. Jan. 4, 1833.
2. Angeline, b. March 16, 1835 ; m. Cyrus Chaplin
of Naples.
3. Wentworth, b. March 31, 1837; m. Zilphia
Caswell, of Harrison, and 2ndly, Kate Has-
kell, of Harrison.
4. Samuel P., b. Aug. 14, 1842; m. Mehitable
Waterhouse, of Harrison.
iii. Joshua, b. March 14, 1811 ; m. Caroline, daugh-
ter of Asa Hicks ; 2ndly, Lydia Bullen. He
had issue as follows :
1. Francis E., b. May 9, 1836.
2. Abby M., b. Nov. 27, 1837.
3. Tallot G., b. June 9, 1840.
4. Menthia C, b. Aug. 18, 1842.
5. Greenfield, > , . , ^ ^ . -
6. Whitefield; ] ^- 1^^^-
iv. Abigail, b. May 3, 1813 ; died unmarried.
V. George E., m. JNIary Ann Sargent, of Otisfield.
vi. Esther, m. Isaac Bonny, of Otisfield, March
18, 1838.
STEWART FAMILY.
113
vii. ACHSA, m. John D. Burbank, of Gorham, N.H.,
March 15, 1852.
viii. Emily, m. William Chute, N^ov. 21, 1844.
ix. Francis, m. Abby Bullen, of Norway, Me.
X. CoRLiSTA, m. Samuel Pitts, of Naples, Nov. 9,
1847.
xi. Amos, m. 1st, Mason, 2ndly, Larabee,
and has issue C?)
xii. Lydia G., m. William Brigham, Oct. 15, 1849.
xiii. Joanna, m. Washington Chaplin, of Naples.
3. Solomon Stewart, b. in Gorham ; m. Mercy Hall,
June 19, 1817 ; settled in the ^'Stewart Neighbor-
hood," on land adjoining that of his brother Joseph's
as farmer, and had issue, seven childi en, of whom
hereafter. When Mr. Stewart was building his house, in
this town, he brought some glass from Gorham, tied up in
a handkerchief — making his journey on foot— and when
within six feet of the door of the house, in which the
glass was to have been set, he stumbled, fell, and broke
every pane of glass. One may imagine his feelings at
such a misfortune — a loss not easily repaired. Children :
i. Mary Ann, m. John Lombard, of Gorham, or
Otisfleld.
ii. Major P., m. Octava, daughter of James Wes-
ton, of Harrison, settled in town, and has issue,
Rebecca J James TT., and Dana.
iii. Isaac H., m. Elizabeth Hall, of Chelsea, Mass.,
and had issue, Robert and Ella.
iv. Hannah, m. Sumner Hancock, of Otisfleld ;
2ndly, Nathan Decker, of Casco.
V. Joseph Phinney, died young.
vi. JosEPH,2d., died young.
vii. Wyatt, T.. m. Lucy Andrews, of Harrison, and
has issue, two children, namely, Solomon and
Edith. Mr. Stewart lives on the homestead ol
his father.
4. JosiAH Stewart, born in Gorham ; married Miriam
Eich, of Harrison, (a Gorham family) April 24,
1825, and settled on the farm formerly owned and
114
HAERISON, MAmE.
occupied by Oapt. Wentwortli Stewart, his brother,
near " Hall's Corner," in this town. He died in
1870, having had issue as follows :
i. Amanda M., b. April 20, 1826.
ii. Benjamin, b. 'Nov. 27, 1827 ; m. Ellen, daughter
of William Haskell, of Harrison, and resides
on the homestead of his father.
iii. Clementine, b. Nov. 22, 1829 ; m. 1st, Hayes j
2ndly, Samuel Edgerly, and lives in town.
iv. John W., b. July 7, 1831 ; d. in the army — un-
married.
V. JosiAH A., b. March 23, 1833.
vi. Moses, unmarried — went West.
vii. Charles, m . Katie Brackett, daughter of Josei)h
Brackett, of Harrison.
viii. Clara, m. Payson Stanley.
ix. Eveline, m. Libby, of Paris.
X. LuCRt:TiA, m. Dunn, of Poland.
xi, Melyina, m. , of Buxton.
5. Hannah Stewart, born in Gorham ; sister of the
four brothers before mentioned, married Jonathan
Saunders, of Norway, Feb, 20, 1828.
6. Susie Stewart, born in Gorham ; sister of the pre-
cednig, married Francis Maybeliy, of Casco.
7. A CHS A Stewart, born in Gorham sister of the pre-
ceding, married Richard Fogg, of this town.
SAMPSON FAMHT.
The Sampsons are of English descent, and the New
Enghmd ancestor came in the " Mayflower " with the
Pilgrims.
James Sampson came from Duxbridge, Mass., to
Leeds, Me., and afterwards removed to Harrison, about
the year 1800, coming into town on horse-back. He
married Jemima Stetson, in Turner, Jan. 12, 1786 ; pur-
chased land and erected a log-house where the village
now is — the Jirst house erected there — near where
SAMPSOK FAMILY.
115
Samuel Hardin's house now stands. Mr. Sampson built
mills on the stream that now drives the wire-factory, and
carried on blacksmithing at the same time. He was a
genuine pioneer, and did much to encourage settlement
in town ; he died at the age of 89 years ; his wife at the
age of 72 ; they were buried in Otisfield. Mr. Sampson
had issue nine children, as follows :
1. James Sampson, married 1st, Ruth Stiles, and 2ndly,
Betsey Prince, and settled in Parkman, Me., where
he carried on farming, and eventually went Eepre-
sentative to the State Legislature. He had several
children, two of whom were J mathan and Aaron.
2. Ebuben Sampson, married Mary Smith, of this town,
and settled in Worcester, Mass., where he worked
as a wheel wright and faimer. He died several
years ago, leaving seven children, viz : IsaaCj
Aaron J Eunice^ Deborah^ Julia, Harriet, and Mary.
3. Deborah Sampson, married Isaac Watson, of Water-
ford, Me., and had issue.
4. Hannah Sampson, married Daniel Scribner, of Otis-
field, Me., and had issue.
5. Jemima Sampson, married Aaron Huntress, of Lin-
coln, Me., and had issue.
6. Olive Sampson, married Thomas Mains, of Otisfield,
Me., and had issue.
7. Alice Sampson, married William Twombly, of Har-
rison, (Bolster's Mills) and had issue.
8. Asenath Sampson, died when young.
9. Ahira Sampson, born March 4, 1793 ; married Pol-
ly Stiles, of Bridgton, and settled where Walker
& Monroe's store now stands, at Harrison t illage.
He carried on black-smithing and milling; was a
man of great physical powers, and withal, very eccentric.
He had a peculiar habit of repeating the last word in
every sentence when talking, "he did, he did," and would
never ride in a carriage when he could go on foot. He
once dragged Samuel Harmon through the fire on his
forge, and then threw him into the road. Mr. Sampson
fell, while at work in his mill, near Waterford, in 18()9,
116
HAEEISOX, MAINE.
striking his bead upon a ledge ; soon after he became un-
conscious, and died the third day after, at the age of 77
years. His wife predeceased him at the age of 63. They
had seven children, as follows :
1. ASENATH, b. Oct. 8, 1813,— a wealthy maiden -
lady, now living in Worcester, Mass.
ii. EuTH, b. in 1815 j d. young.
iii. Susan, b. Aug. 25, 1818 ; never married.
iv. Capt. Christopher 0. W., b. June 22, 1819 j
m. Mary Ann Brown, of Waterford, and set-
tled in this town, and now resides here. He
was captain of the first steamboat — the
" Fawn " — that navigated Sebago Lake. He was for
many years engaged in canal-boating between Harrison
and Portland, and carried on the lumber business with
others. He was several years one of the Selectmen of
the town, and has always been an active, public-spirited
man. Generous-hearted and full of pity, he always held
out an open hand to the needy. He had ten of family
as follows:
1. Sophia A., b. Sept. 10, 1841 ; m. Charles D.
Whitemore, of Worcester, Mass., in 1863, and
d. in this town Dec. 8. 1869, leaving issue.
2. Mary A., b. Dec. 5, 1812 ; m. Capt. WiUiam H.
Yalentiue, of Worcester, and has issue.
3. Charles L., b. Jan. 5, 1815 ; unmarried.
1. Christopher H., b. Feb. 8, 1817 ; died an infant.
5. AsENATH E., b. ^^ov. 5, 1819 ; unmarried.
6. S. Nellie, b. July 19, 1851 ; died an infant.
7. George B., b. March 3, 1853 j m. Mary J. King,
of Xew Hampshire ; lives in Worcester, Mass.,
and has issue.
8. Abbie C, b. June 21, 1858.
9. Alice J., b. June 23, 1860.
Note.— Some of the Sampson family think that Micah Sampson, the grand-
father of our townsman, Thomas 11. .Sampson, was a cousin to James, the an-
cestor of this famil}'. One Michael Sampson married Betsey House, in Turner,
June 11, 1791. Query, mav not Micah and Michael\\9.\e. been the same person ?
It IS said that Aliira, of Harrison, used to call John Sampson, of Portland,
Micah's son, "cousin letTteuant,"
SPEIKGEE— STILES FAMILIES.
117
10. Frank H., b. Aug. 12, 1862.
V. Maria, d. unmarried at the age of 40.
vi. Emeline, m. Daniel Welts, of Mercer, Me.
vii. Charles L., died when young.
SPEING-EE FAMILY.
Jonathan Springer, bought the farm where Heber
Kimball now lives, of John Strickland — the house was
built by James Sampson, Jr. — and died in town, Feb. 16,
1845, aged 77 years. I have not learned particulars rel-
ative to this family ; the records show that Betsey^ daugh-
ter of Jonathan, died in town when young, and Mary
married Oapt. Peirce Scribner, of this town.
STILES FAMILY.
The ancestors of this family were Enoch Stiles and
Noah Stiles, who came from Andover, Mass., and set-
tled in Bridgton, in 1771 ; they were twins. Enoch died
in Bridgton, in 1831, aged 87 years ; hence the brothers
were born in 1745. Noah Stiles sold his farm in Bridgton
in 1800, and moved into that part of Otisfield that is now
in Harrison ; his farm was on No. 12, in Range 8, in the
north end of the town. His son Stephen settled on lot
No. 11, adjoining his father's land. Noah Stiles had five
children, three sons and two daughters, in 1794. Records
of births will be found in Bridgton. Descendants are
now living on the homestead farm, in Harrison, viz : —
Millet Stiles, who married a Wentworth, of Hiram. I
think he was a son of Jonathan^ who married Sally Noble,
March 1, 1833. See Cramps Historical Address^ delivered
at the dedication of Bridgton Town House.
t
118
HAEEISOX, MAINE.
THOMS FAMILY.
The Tlioms family are descendants of Thomas Thoms,
through his sons Charles and George. I am not informed
where Thomas and his wife Mary (they died in Gorham,
Me., Thomas in 1790 and Mary in 1786,) came from, but
think they were from old Plymouth Colony, Massachu-
setts. George Thoms, born in 1745, married Lydia
Brown, and had issue, nine children, all born in Gorham
previous to 1800. Mr. Thoms died in 1821. Children :
1. Betsey, born in 1779 (?) ; married Joseph Brown, of
Windham, and settled in that town.
2. Ezra, born in 1782 (?) ; married and settled in Har-
rison, where he commenced a farm, and soon after
died in Gorham.
3. Mary, born Dec. 20, 1783 ; married Jacob Emerson,
of Harrison, and died Sept. 30, 1859.
4. William, born in 1785 ; married Sally Plaisted, and
2ndly, her sister Hannah ; lived on the homestead
in Gorliam.
5. Amos, born Aug. 11, 1789 ; married Abigail F. Hig-
gins, of Gorham, and settled in this town. He
was commissioned a Colonel of the Militia ; served
as Town Clerk, Selectman, and went to the Legis-
lature as Eepresentative. He was one of the most inde-
pendent farmers in town, cultivating extensive lands,
and keeping a large stock of cattle, and employing sev-
eral men. He died March 21, 1870, aged 81 years. His
widow sur\'ives as one of the most aged inhabitants of
the town. Mr. Thoms had issue, five cliildren, as follows :
i. Ezra, b. May 16, 1810 ; d. Sept. 9, 1833.
ii. Marshall, b. Feb. 16, 1813 j married Kachel
B., Daughter of Daniel Haskell, and settled
on the homestead. His wife died June 1,
1840 'j and he married 2ndly, Dorcas, daughter
of Myrick Paine, of Standish. Mr. Thoms carried on
extensive farming operations in company with his
brother, until 1874, when he sold and moved to the vil-
lage, where he now lives, and cultivates a small field.
t
THOMS FAMILY.
119
He has two daughters, viz : Abbie Frances, born Sept. 11,
1849 ; married Henry H. Pulsifer, and lives in Wayne,
Me.j and Caroline, born ; unmarried, and at home.
iii. Lydia, b. July 9, 1816 J d. Dec. 13, 1846; un-
married.
iv. Alanson M., b. Jan. 16, 1821, and emigrated
West, where he now lives — unmarried.
V. Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 1822; married Kosilla,
daughter of William Cook, of Casco, and lives
on the homestead farm. Mr. Thoms has ever
manifested a public spirit, and has served as
Selectman in his town. He bought his brother's part ot
the farm a few years ago, and is now the most extensive
farmer and stock-raiser in town ; he has also engaged
largely in the lumbering business for several winters, and
has always been an honest, active citizen. No issue,
vi. Elmira, H., b. Dec. 1, 1828 ; d. April 4, 1840.
6. Mehitable Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., Dec. 7,
1792 ; married John Johnson, of Harrison, April
11, 1823.
7. Eunice Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1794 ;(?)
married Joseph Plaisted, of Gorham, and lived in
town.
8. Lydia Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1796 ; (!) mar
ried , of Gorham ; lived in Harrison.
9. Kancy Thoms, born in Gorham, Me., in 1798; (?)
married Zebulon Johnson, of Harrison, Sept. 5,
1822, (see Johnson family) and died only a short
time ago.
ANOTHER FAMILY.
James Thoms, son of Charles and Anna Gray, of Gor-
ham, and a cousin of Col. Amos Thoms, before mentioned,
moved into this town as early as 1800, and located a lit
tie below the F. W. Baptist meeting-house, where hi&
grand-son now lives. Mr. Thoms married Abigail Libby,
of Gorham, ^nd had issue, three children. Mr. Thoms
120
HAERISON, MAIKE.
died several years ago ; his widow is now living in town,
aged 84. Issue as follows :
1. Charles Thoms, bom in Gorham ; married Fannie
Brown, of Raymond, settled on his father's home-
stead, and carried on farming and butchering ; he
lost one leg and died at the age of 47 years, leav-
ing issue as follows, viz : Abbie F.y born Sept. 11,
1849 ; married Henry Bobbins ; James j born Feb.
22, 1855, and Lucy, born May 18, 1860.
2. Sarah Thoms, born in Harrison; married
MacDonald, and lives in Windham.
3. Ellison Thoms, born in Harrison ; married Melvina,
daughter of William Bucknell, and lives on a farm
near William Chadbourne's on the Bolster's Mills
road. He is a very hard-worker and a good farmer.
Has one child, viz : Mary R., born Nov., 1869.
TRAFTON FAMILY.
Joshua Trafton, of English descent, bom in 1785,
came from York, Me., where the name still prevails, and
settled on the farm since owned by William Went worth,
the blacksmith ; his house stood a little way below the
present house of George Newcomb, but on the same side
of the road. After living some years at the latter place,
he sold and moved to the " Pond Road," where the old
house now stands, and remained there till his death,
which occurred in 1869. His first wife, (she was Joanna
Ross) died in 1851, aged 61 years, and he married, 2ndly,
Berlinda Packard, who now survives. His children
were as follows :
1. Otis Trafton, born Dec. 20, 1807 ; married Eliza
of Waterford; settled near his father as
farmer and live-stock dealer ; acquired wealth, and
has issue as follows :
i. Henry O., b. Dec. 17, 1835.
ii. John E., b. March 28, 1838.
WALKER FAMILY.
121
iii. Elizabeth M., b. Sept. 16, 1840 : died Sept. 16,
1845. '
iv. Algenon H., b. May 17, 1842 : died Sept. 30,
1845. '
V. Abby M., b. July 3, 1844; married to George
Xewcomb, and lives in Harrison.
vi. Frances M., b. Dec. 22, 1847.
vii. James, married a daughter of Smith Chaplin, of
Naples.
2. Polly Trafton, married John Patch, Aug. 13, 1815.
3. EuTH Trafton, married Charles KimbaU, July 4,
1838.
4. Abby B. Trafton, married Lemuel Libby, Oct. 27,
1847.
5. Joseph Trafton, lived in town and acquired con-
siderable property by trading in live stock. He
lived where his son now lives, on the Shepherd
• Hawkes place. He died several years ago, -leaving
two sons, viz : Newell, who married a daughter
of Dr. Dunnell's, and lives on the home-place, and
a younger brother, who, I believe is now a practic-
ing physician in some other place.
WALKEE FAMILY.
A Scottish surname. The family have scattered into
nearly every land. They are inter-married with the An-
drews and Onebys families, and quarter their arms with
them in England. The Harrison family are descended
from Charles Walker, who was born Aug. 15, 1759,
probably in Berwick or Kittery, and settled in Westbrook
or Falmouth. He married Eunice Berry, (she was born
Sept. 25, 1761) Dec. 26, 1782, and had a family of six
children, some of them born in Westbrook. Mr. Walker
came to Harrison about 1815, and settled on the " Walk-
er Hill " between the village and Harmon's Corner."
He died (his wife predeceased him July 29, 1833) June
20, 1843, and was buried in this town. Issue :
122
HAEEISON, MALN^E.
1. Samuel Walker, born Oct. 8, 1783; married Han-
uali Hicks, of Westbrook, in 1808, and had issue,
of whom hereafter. He settled on a farm near
" Pride's Bridge," subsequently owned by " Zac
Brackett," and selling, came to this town about 1815-17,
and purchased land of H. Gray Otis, where 0. Lincoln
Walker now Jives ; here he established a permanent
home. He died Sept. 27, 1867 ; his wife, in 1850.
i. Charles, eldest son of Samuel, 1st, born Aug.
4, 1809 ; married Mary H. Hanson, of Harri-
son, Nov. 21, 1833, and settled on the home-
stead of his father ; he had issue, four children,
and died Feb. 16, 1860. Children :
1. Charles Lincoln, b. Aug. 3, 1835 ; married, 1st,
Lydia, daughter of Sawj^er, of Madison,
Me., and 2ndly, Sarah, daughter of Walter P.
Harmon, of Harrison, who died in 1876, leav-
ing t/tree children, viz: Sidney P.J Fra7iJc*W,
and Walter W. — the two last twins.
2. Emily H., b, Sept. 3, 1837 ; m. Horace Adams,
and lives in Lynn, Mass.
3. Albert W., b. Oct. 14, 1840 ; m. Addie Adams,
of New York, and resides at Worcester, Mass.
— two children, Alice and Albert.
4. Caroline P., b. Oct. 14, 1843 ; and m. Freeman
Dunn, of Harrison.
ii. William, son of Samuel, 1st, born in Falmouth,
July 25, 1811 ; m. Berlinda Edson, of Harri-
son, Aug. 13, 1835 ; settled in Harrison, and
had issue, four children, as follows :
1. Lucy E., m. Isaiah Spiller, of Casco, or Eaymond.
2. Adeline, ra. Jason Kimball, of Gilead, Me.
3. Franklin, lives in Waterville — unmarried.
4. William, m. Eunice, daughter of Benjamin
Wheeler, of Harrison — resides here.
iii. George, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Falmouth,
Sept. 7, 1813 ; m. Lydia Ann Libby, Oct. 25,
1840; settled in Harrison, and has worked
WALKEE FAMILY.
123
much on the canal between this town and
Portland. He had issue, six children, as fol-
lows :
1. GEORaE W., b. March 12, 1842 -— dead.
2. Julia A., m. Yirgil Keniston, of Harrison ; now
dead.
3. Albert, b. March 25, 1846; married Ellen
Woodbury, of Bridgton, and has issue.
4. Samuel, b. April 9, 1848 ; married Ellen Knee-
land, of Harrison ; lives here.
5. ^^ Elliot L., b. March 22, 1850; m. Brown, of
Hiram, and has issue.
6. ZiBAH, unmarried.
iv. Samuel, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Westbrook,
June 10, 1815 ; married Charlotte Twitchell,
of Bethel, and settled in Harrison. Mr. Walk-
er served as Town Treasurer, and in other
offices. He lost one of his legs — was a shoe-maker by
trade ; had issue eight children, and died in 1867 ; he was
buried at the village. Children :
1. Aloenon S. b. April 12, 1841 ; died unmarried.
2. Osgood B., b. Dec. 14, 1842; married Addie
Lamb.
3. Emeline S., b. Sept. 12, 1844 ; now in Portland.
4. Frances C, b. Dec. 29, 1846.
5. John D., b. March 31, 1849 ; d. Jan. 6, 1851.
6. Clara, living in Amesbury, Mass. ; unmarried.
7. John E., is married and living in Portland.
8. Emma J., married Thomas Mason, of Bridgton.
V. Franklin, son of Samuel, 1st, b. in Harrison,
'Nov. 20, 1817 ; married Frances Bailey, (she
was b. Sept. 20, 1825) daughter of James ; set-
tled in town, and carries on the wire business
with Tolman and Caswell. Mr. Walker is a good singer,
and an honest, kind-hearted man — a highly respected
citizen, and neighbor. He has a fine residence and gar-
den in the village. Children as follows :
1. F. Gene, b. June, 1848 ; unmarried.
124
HAERISOX, MAINE.
2. Horace, b. Oct. 14, 1851 j married Jenuie
Scribner, of Otisfield, and lives in the village,
where he keeps a store.
vi. Mary, daughter of Samuel, 1st, b. in Harrison,
July 19, 1821; married Simon Seavy, and
lives in the village, a widow.
vii. Zebah, daughter of Samuel, 1st, b. in Harrison,
May 16, 1825 — a maiden lady in Waterville.
2. Miriam Walker, born in Westbrook, Oct., 7, 1785 j
died young.
3. Charles Walker, (Deacon) born in Westbrook,
Oct. 1, 1787 ; married Sally Barbour, of Westbrook,
(she was descended from a Scotch-Irish family that
settled in York, Me., and intermarried with the
family of Bean, one of whom, ha\ing escaped from In-
dian captivity, acted as interpreter at Falmouth Fort) and
had issue, six children, of whom hereafter. He settled
in Westbrook, but subsequently came to this town and
settled were Granville Fernald now lives. Mr. Walker
was one of ihe deacons of the F. W. Baptist church, and
magnihed that oftice, associated with Deacons Carsley
and Bray. He was commissioned Captain of the Militia ;
served as Town Clerk ; chairman of Selectmen and Jus-
tice of the Peace, for many years ; always sustaining
fully the contidence reposed in him. Deacon Walker was
one of the " sweet singers of Israel," and the sacred
songs that he sung in the house of God — usually stand-
ing in the congiegation — will not be forgotten by those
who heard him ; he could ''sing with the spirit and the
understanding also." He Uved highly respected, and died
Aug. 19, 1859, deservedly lamented. Mrs. Walker sur-
vives, and lives with Mr. Fernald, on the Deacon W^alker
larm. The children, as follows ;
i. Ednah, b. Nov. 9, 1810 ; m. Elias Howard, of
Harrison, Oct. 15, 1832, and he having died,
(drowned at North Bridgton) Oct. 20, 1834,
she m. 2m\]y. to Jonathan Whitney, May 8,
1839, and is living on her first husband's fam-
ily-homestead— the " Howard farm."
WATSON FAMILY.
125
ii. Louis, b. Aug. 18, 1812 ; d. March 7, 1830.
iii. Henry, b. Sept. 5, 1814 ; m. Oliva Kropp, (of
German descent) and lives in the West. No
children.
iv. Susan, b. Feb. 17, 1816 ; m. to John Burnham,
of Harrison, and settled in New York State,
where she now li^ es.
V. Charles Barbour, b. June 17, 1820 ; m. Abby
J. May berry, of Oasco, Nov. 29, 1841, and had
issue, three children. Mr. Walker emigrated
to the West many years ago, and died there,
Jan. 2, 1872. He was a great singer and
teacher of music.
vi. Elizabeth, b. April 11, 1828; m. Granville
Fernald, and lives on the home farm.
4. John Walker, b. in Westbrook, Sept. 3, 1791 ; d.
Nov. 24, 1791.
5. Eunice Walker, b. in Westbrook, May 4, 1793 ; m.
Bela Dawes, Oct. 21, 1819, and lived in' this town.
6. Eliza Walker, born in Westbrook, June 28, 1798 ;
married Joshua Howard, of this town, (see How-
ard family) in 1821, and 2ndly, David Woodsum,
of Harrison, Sept. 9, 1832 ; she is now living at
Joshua Howard^s.
WATSON FAMILY.
A family of Scotch origin. Eliphalet Watson came
from Plymouth Colony, Mass., and settled very early in
Gorham ; married Ehzabeth, daughter of Capt. John
Phinney, and had ten children born to him. For history
of the early generations, see History of Gorham."
1. James Watson, son of Eliphalet, was born in Gor-
ham Port, Aug. 3, 1761; married Mary Davis;
2ndly, Sarah, daughter of John Carsley, of Gor-
ham ; and 3dly, Molly, sister of the second wife.
Mr. Watson was a Eevolutionary soldier, and one of the
first settlers in Harrison. His homestead was on the
126
HAEEISOX, MAmE.
Pond road, about one mile below the village, where
Frank Kneeland now (1877) lives ; the house was prob-
al)ly the first framed building in town. Mr. Watson had
issue as follows :
i. Mercy, daughter of James, b. in Gorham ; m.
David P. Kneeland, Jan. 21, 1817 ; resides at
Harrison,
ii. Mary F., b. in Harrison, July 11, 1794 ; married
Gee Hammon.
iii. Isaac, b. June 27, 1796 ; m. Betsey, daughter
of Jonathan and Susanna Packard, Oct. 7,
1823, and settled in Harrison, as a stone-ma-
son, living at the village. He had issue seven children,
and died Sept. 10, 1862, aged 66 years ; his wife was born
Sept. 17, 1799. Children :
1. Infant, b. July 5, 1823.
2. Catherine, b. June 28, 1824.
3. St/sAN P., b. March 28, 1825 ; m. Heber Kimball,
Sept. 14, 1845. Lives in Harrison.
4. Charles H., b. Oct. 1, 1827 : m. Ann Eeed, of
Lowell, Mass., resides in Cape EUzabeth, and
has four children.
5. Alpheus p., b. Sept. 27, 1829 ; d. July 2, 1832.
6. Albert I^^., b. June 10, 1833 ; m. Ann Goodwin,
of Somersworthj lives in Portland, and has
three children.
7. Mary L., b. April 11, 1836 ; m. Charles Hutchin-
son, and lives in Wells, Me.
iv. Levi, son of James, b. in Harrison, Nov. 1,
1801 ; m. Hannah, daughter of Elder Samuel
Lewis, April 21, 1825, and moved to the East,
where he died many years ago. He had chil-
dren.
V. Sally, daughter of James, b. in Harrison, July
6, 1803 ; m. Ebenezer Cookson.
vi. Robert, sou of James, b. in Harrison, July 6,
1806, and died in town — unmarried.
WOODSUM FAMILY.
127
OoLMAN Watson, was many years a resident in the
village, in this town, and worked at the coopers' trade.
He was a nephew of James Watson. He was twice mar-
ried ; the second wife was Pauhna Tuttle, married June
13, 1847. Mr. Watson died April 2, 1849 ; he had a
daughter who married a Billings, of Gorham.
WOODSUM FAMILY.
The Woodsums are of English descent ; they came
early to Berwick, and scattered thence into several towns
in York county, and into Eastern Maine. John Wood-
sum, born in Berwick, came to Harrison between 1797
and 1800, and settled where Charles Hardin now lives.
He was a builder, and framed some of the first houses in
town ; was chosen the first Surveyor of lumber in town.
Mr. Woodsum was married to Rebecca Kimball before
coming here ; had issue, ten children, and died in 1820,
aged 49 years ; his widow lived to be aged. Children :
1. Polly Woodsum, born in Berwick, in 1797 ; married
Libeus Caswell, of Harrison, Oct. 24, 1820.
2. David Woodsum, born in Harrison, Oct. 14, 1801 ;
married Eliza (Walker) Howard (see Howard fam-
ily) of Harrison, and settled wliere he now lives,
at the head of Anonymous Pond, in the " Wood-
sum Neighborhood." Mr. Woodsum has been a good
farmer, and is capable of doing almost any kind of me-
chanical work. No children.
3. John Woodsum, born in Harrison, Sept. 3, 1805 ;
married Chloe Howard, (daughter of Joshua) Juue
1, 1834, an^l settled in the valley near w here he
was born j his land adjoins that of his brothers',
before and after-mentioned. Mr. Woodsum has a good
Note. — There were several families of Watsons in Waterford, relatives to the
Harrison stock; also a family early in Buxton, Me., of the same descent, name-
ly : Colman Watson, (supposed to be an uncle of the above, and a brother of
James) and his descendants. The name Colman came through the Phinneys,
from the Colmaus of Mass.
128
HARRISON, MAIKE.
farm, and builds his own buildings and implements.
Children as follows :
i. Susan, b. May 11, 1834 ; m. Sigmond Beekman,
a German, and 2ndly, Warren Dudley, of
Waterford. She is now a widow.
ii. John E., b. June 28, 1836 ; m. Fannie E. Foy,
of Portland, and carries on carriage-making
and ironing, near his father's house.
iii. Silas B., b. Jan. 22, 1839; d. Aug. 22, 1863, at
New Haven, Conn. He was Corporal in Co.
G, 12th Maine Reg., late war.
iv. Elias H., b. July 14, 1841 ; m. Mary, daughter
of Parker Lakin, of Harrison, and lives in
Norway. He is a mill wright and iron-ma-
chinist — has issue, one child, Arthur F.
V. Cora J., b. July 7, 1844 ; d. Nov. 23, 1862.
vi. Daniel, b. March 12, 1847 ; m. Fannie, daugh-
ter of Stephen Whitney, (see Whitney family)
and lives at the village. He is an iron-ma-
chinist— one son, Silas M.
\ii. Frank M., b. Sept. 10, 1849 ; unmarried.
viii. Marietta, b. Feb. 2, 1852 ; died an infant.
ix. Clarence S., b. June 9, 1856 ; m. Alice, daugh-
ter of Saunders Kimball, of Waterford, and
has a son.
4. Artemus Woodsum, born in Harrison, Jan. 13, 1807 ;
married Nancy Baker, and settled in the south end
of the town, as farmer. Mr. Woodsum reared a
large family, of whom hereafter. His wife died in
1871, and he is now living with a maiden daughter.
Children.
i. David, b. in 1830 ; d. Nov. 22, 1854. He had
married Argasine, daughter of Phineas Thomp-
son, and had a son, David Jr.
ii. Rebecca, b. in 18 — ; never m. — now keeping
her father's house. She is a finely educated
and accomplished lady.
iii. Mary L., born in 1833 j d. Jan. 10, 1849.
WOODSUM FAMILY.
129
iv. i^^ANCY, b. in 18—; m. Emery, and had
issue.
vi. Sarah J., b. in 1839 ; d. Dec. 21, 1864.
vii. Ellen, b. in 18— ; m. Mark Wetzler.
viii. Abel, b. in 1846 ; d. Jan. 14, 1849.
5. Abigail Woodsum, born in Harrison; married
Luther Willoughby.
6. Eebecca Woodsum, born in Harrison ; married Ed-
ward Scribner, of Gilead, Me.
7. Benjamin F. Woodsum, born in Harrison, May 10,
1813 ; married Abigail Lennell, of Otisfield ; set-
tled in the "Woodsum Neighborhood," as a farmer,
and lives there at the present time. Like his
brothers, Mr. Woodsum is a good farmer, some-
thing ot a mechanic, and a very good citizen. Chil-
dren as follows :
i. John L., b. April 8, 1840 ; m. in 1872, and Uves
in Oxford, M-e.
ii. EvALENA, b. Oct. 14, 1841 ; m. Joseph Wilbur,
of Freeport, and died in 1875.
iii. Benjamin F., b. Aug. 29, 1843. ) „ i
iv. William F., b. Feb. 7, 1848. ]
8. Brackett Woodsum, b. in Harrison, in Jan., 1815 ;
married Lucinda Lombard, of Otisfield ; settled in
his native town, in the ''Woodsum Neighborhood,"
and subsequently emigrated to the West, where he
now resides : his children, born in this town, were:
i. Sumner B., b. July 2, 1848.
ii. Emeline, b. June 4, 1850.
9. Dorcas A. Woodsum, b. in Harrison ; m. Dana
Towne.
10. Sarah Woodsum, born in Harrison ; married Al-
bert Hamblin, of Waterford, and is now a widow
in that town.
Note — Joseph Woodsum, tailor, of Berwick, was
ancestor of all families of the name in Maine, so far as I
can learn. He was probably born in England. Two
130
HAERISON, MAIKE.
sons of his were early settlers in Biddeford and Buxton^
in this state, viz : Mickcel Troo^7.9wwi, who married Eliza-
beth Dyer, Aug. 24, 1749, and had sons Joseph, JohUy
Ahner and Samuel, who were in tlie Revolution ; and
Abigail, born in 1755; married Joseph Woodman, of
Buxton, in March, 1773 ; she was a beautiful and accom-
plished lady. Ahiatha Woods um, supposed to be a son
of Joseph, the tailor, was also early in Buxton. He
married, 1st, Mary, daughter of Humphrey Atkinson;
2ndly, Susanna, daughter of Job Roberts, July 8, 1784 ;
all of Buxton. Beacon Samuel Woodsttm, of Saco, (sub-
sequently of Buxton) married Eunice Atkinson. Boreas
W 'odsum married Samuel Merrill. Lucretia Woodsiim
married John Cole, Oct. 18, 1781. JSlizabeth Woodsum
married John Lane, Jr., Feb. 4, 1786. Mary Woodsimi
married Josiah King, of Pepperillboro\ (Saco) Feb. 18^
1790. Elizabeth Woodsum married John Beard, June 6,
1802 ; these were children of the Michael and Abiatha
before mentioned. John Woodsum, who came to Harrison
was probably a cousin to Michael ; he may have been a
younger brother ; he was a tax-payer in Berwick, in 1772.
WHITEMORE FAMILY.
This family were from Gorham, Me. Capt. Samuel
Whitemore was a prominent citizen in that town dur-
ing Revolutionary times ; he married Mary Whitney and
had a family of twelve children, one of whom, Dorcas,
was the wife of Dea. James Chadbourne, of this town.
Joel Whitemore, moved into this town as early as 1810
and settled at the village where he opened and kept a
small store. He was a brother of Mr. Chadbourne's wife,
and also of Col. Samuel Whitemore, a brilliant young
lawyer — a graduate of Dartmouth College — of Gorham.
He was born about 1782, married Miss Hannah , and
had children born in this town. Harriet Putman,
daughter of the above, was born Jan. 23, 1821.
WITHAM FAMILY.
131
WITHAM FAMILY.
WiTHAM is a Scottish sui'name. Thomas Witham set-
tled at Cape Ann, Mass., very early, he died there in
1653. The families of this name that have lived in this
town, are descended from Thomas, before mentioned,
through several families that came from CajDC Ann, to
Kew Gloucester, in this state, where the name prevails at
the present day. The first known to have lived here was,
1. Jeremiah Witham, a son of Jeremiah, who located
where Samuel York now lives, about 1799. He
married Polly Bennett, and after living here a few
years, sold to his brother and moved to Poland ;
he had issue — Isaac j Jacob , Ira, Ehenezer, Jeremiah,
Sarah, Mary, and some that died in infancy.
2. Daniel Witham, a brother of Jeremiah, Ko. 1, mar-
ried Elizabeth Knight, bought his brother's farm,
and settled in this town. He was a large, corpu-
lent man. Had issue as follows :
i. Tamson, b. Dec. 31, 1810 ; m. Spofford Ingalls
for his second wife. She was a woman of ex
cellent character — a devoted christian. She
died sometime since 1870.
ii. Sophbonia, b. Dec, 1812 ; m. Spofford Ingalls,
for his first wife, 1848 ; long since deceased.
iii. Charlotte, b. July 5, 1811 ; m. John Lakin, of
this town, and is still living.
iv. Kancy, b. Dec. 20, 1815 ; m. Porter Baker, of
Bridgton, Me.
v. Elizabeth, b. April 7, 1817.
vi. Daniel, Jr., b. Oct. 23, 1818— died young.
vii. Abner K., b. March 23, 1820.
viii. Susan, b. Sept. 13, 1822.
ix. Clarinda, b. Feb. 10, 1824.
X. Mary, b. Dec. 15, 1825.
xi. Charles W., b. July 18, 1827.
Note.— I am told that Daniel, 2d, had three wives, and several children be-
sides the above, among them, Emily, Deborah and Gardner.
132
HAREISOX, MAINE.
3. Isaac Witham, a brother of Daniel, 2d, married
Sally Tracy, and sometime lived on the place where
Haskell P. Kneeland once lived — the yellow house
near Dea. Seth Oarsley's.
4. Jacob Witham, a brother of Isaac, 3d, married Han-
nah Harmon, and once lived in this town.
5. Sally Witham, a sister to preceding, died young.
6. Lucy Witham, " " " "
7. Lydia Witham, " married Leander
Harmon, of this town (see Harmon family.)
8. Pattie Witham, never married.
9. Ira Witham, died young.
10. Ebenezer Witham, died young.
11. Jeremiah Witham — no other account.
12. Mary Witham, died young.
Benjamin Witham, a son of Jeremiah, 1st., married
Dolly Wheeler, and once lived where Lincoln Walker
now lives, l^o other information.
Samuel Witham, brother of Benjamin, married 1st,
Mary Estes (sister of Simeon) and had isme—Hannakj
Mary and Stephen-, he married 2ndly, Mary Hilborn, by
whom no issue. Mr. Witham weighed over 300 pounds,
and was erect and handsome.
Moses Witham, a resident of this town at the present
time, is a son of William, of l!^ew Gloucester, married
Charlotte, daughter of Daniel Witham, of Harrison, and
settled on a part of his father-in-law's farm ; he has issue
as follows, viz : Laura E., Oeorge il/., Joseph TF., Byron
C.J John jP., Florence, Annie M., Elizabeth, Wilbur C, Wes-
ley E., Oeorge W., and two sons that died. This family
are related to the other Harrison families, as proved by a
pedigree of the New Gloucester family in my possession.
I have a pedigree dating from 1630 down to i^resent date.
Author.
Note. — I think Jeremiah Witham, who was father of Jeremiah, No. 1, had
three wives, the second of which was Betsey (Perry) Neal, a widow, by
wlioni he had Isaac, Vrianna and A'lids ; the 3d wife was Ann Maria Knight, of
Portland — a widow — by whom, children, Daniel and Alary Ann.
WILLAED FAMILY.
133
WILLARD FAMILY.
The Willards are x>robably of Welsh descent. There
were two families, froia Sanford, came into this towu at
an early day, but what the relationship was between
them, I have not been able to learn. The fathers were
probably cousins.
1. Samuel Willard, settled on the farm now owned
by the widow Davis — the " Everett place " — as a
farmer. He was a leading man in town, and
filled several positions of trust, was Justice of the
Peace, Town Clerk and Selectman. Died March
11, 1849. He married Sarah and had issue as
follows :
i. Cynthia, b. July 14, 1804 ; m. Alonzo Eobbins,
of Waterford, June 11, 1829 j d. June 19, 1830.
ii. Ida, b. May 2, 1806.
iii. Darliska, born June 14, 1808.
iv. Sarah, b. March 12, 1811.
V. Samuel S., b. July 10, 1813 — lives in Westbrook.
vi. Elizabeth, b. July 2, 1816.
vii. Eebecca, b. March 12, 1819 ; m, to Daniel May-
berry, April 19, 185:0 — now a widow.
viii. George, b. April 24, 1823 j d. Oct. 25, 1832.
1. Benjamin Willard, probably a cousin to Samuel,
Esquire, came to this town early, and settled on
the farm since owned by Levi Burnham. His chil-
dren, born of wife Sarah (they were married June
16, 1805) as recorded on the town records are as
follows : ♦
i. Otho, b. March 7, 1806.
ii. Eunice, b. June 6, 1809.
iii. Sarah, b. April 28, 1813 ; d. Oct. 6, 1815.
iv. Nancy, b. Dec. 21, 1818 ; d. Feb. 28, 1823.
V. Nancy, b. May 14, 1823 ; d. Sept. 10, 1825.
There was a Hiram Willard who married Sally Scrib-
ner, June 5, 1818.
134
HARBISON, MAINE.
The widow of Benjamin Willard died in 1876, aged
nearly 100 years, and was buried in this town.
WESTON FAMILY.
The Westons came from Gorham, and settled in Otis-
field quite early. James Weston is now living in the
east part of the town, an old man ; he is father to Dr.
LoTON Weston, also Wendell Weston, who lives on
the homestead, and has been Selectman. This family are
noted for their remarkable ^rm/im.
WHITNEY FAMILY.
This family is of English descent, and is represented
in every State in the Union. Few families have been
more prolific. The family in Goi ham and Harrison (as
well as lamilies in Buxton, Standish, Windham and
Eaymond) are descended from an ancient stock, that was
early planted in York, York County, Maine. A very full
genealogy of the early generations, may be found in the
Genealogical Register^ at the rooms of the Genealogical
Historical Society," 18 Somerset Street, Boston, Mass.
This family is remarkable for the firmness and- force of
character of its members ; indeed they are a people of
singular stabihty and persistnecy of purpose. They have
been possessed of strong physical organizations, and
fiequently live to be very old. Public spirited, and pro-
gressive, they have been foremost in defending the rights
of their countrymen, and in all matters designed for the
elevation and well-being of society.
Nathaniel Whitney, of York, Me., (supposed) mar-
ried Molly Day, (she was born in York — had a brother
Nathaniel) and had a family of children, of whom Moses
became ancestor of the Harrison family. Nathaniel, be-
fore mentioned, had brothers, Nathan^ Amos, Nephtali^
Isaao and David j these settled near each other in and
near Gorham, Maine.
WHITNEY FAMILY.
135
Moses Whitney, son of Nathaniel, was born in Goi-
ham, in 1739, and moved into Harrison about the year
1815, and settled with bis son-in-law, Eev. Joseph Phin-
ney, on the farm since known as the " Allison Libby
Farm," now (1877) occupied by George Whitney. Mr.
Whitney was twice married ; his 1st. wife was Molly Page,
who was born in England, and whose father settled in
Cape Elizabeth, when he came to New England ; she had
issue, and died in Gorham. The 2d. wife of Mr. Whitney
was Abigail , by whom he had a daughter ; she died
{ Abigail) in Harrison, Oct. 8, 1844. He died April 12,
1820, aged 81. Mr. Whitney was one of eleven of the
name who were in the war of the Revolution, from Gor-
ham and vicinity 5 he was a pensioner. Many traditions
still current in the family, show that Moses AVhitney was
a man of remarkable physical strength jand courage ;
he was a sturdy, unyielding, self-reliant character, but
had much real kindness of heart — in short, he was the
ideal pioneer of our early history. His children were as
follows :
1. Enoch Whitney, born in Gorham; 1773 ; married
three times, viz : 1st, Miss Newcomb, of Buxton ;
2nd, Mrs. Kendall, mother of the celebrated bugle
player, ^'Ned Kendall," and 3rd, a Mrs. Dennett,
of Brownfleld. He lived in Limington, Standisli, and
Buxton, and subsequently, in 1810, came to Harrison,
and settled on the Joseph Phinney farm. He had ten
children by his first wife. He died in B]-ownfield, May,
1857, aged 84 years. Children :
i. Daniel, b. in Limington, Jan. 22, 1793; m. Jan.
19, 1815, to Susan, daughter of Nephtali Har-
mon, 2nd, of Harrison, and died March 24,
1873, aged 80 years. He was a farmer, in
town; had one daughter, Sally, b. March 1,
1816.
ii. Mary, m. William Decker, of Casco.
iii. Freeman, b. in Standish, March 9, 1800; ni.
Feb. 18, 1821, Mary S. Gray, (see Gray family)
136
HAREISON, MAINE.
of this town. A farmer. Died March 24,
1873, and was buried on the same day, and
at the same funeral with his brother Daniel,
before mentioned. Children, eight in number,
as follows:
I. Stephen T., born May 15, 1821; married May 4,
]845,Catherine BroAvn of Waterford, and set-
tled in town as farmer and veterinary sur-
geon. His children, nine in number as follows:
1. Mary, b. April 10, 1846, died an infant.
ii. Irene I., b. June 10, 1847; died June 23, 1865.
iii. Ann E., b. July 11, 1849; unmarried.
iv. Frances D., b, Feb. 19, 1851; married to Dan-
iel Woodsum.
V. Charles S., b. May 6, 1853; unmarried,
vi. William H., b. May 12, 1853 ; unmarried.
Aii. Stephen H., b. Aug. 24 1857; unmarried.
viii. Fred A., b. Nov. 20, 1859; unmarried.
ix. Kate E., b. Oct. 20, 1861; unmarried.
2. James G., b. Dec. 20, 1822; married Jan. 3, 1846,
Betsey H., daughter of Seth Carsley 2d, (see
Carsley tVimily (and settled in town as farmer.
Children three in number, as follows:
i. Charles F., b. Oct. 13, 1846; married.
ii. Horace R., b. Oct. 3, 1847; unmarried.
iii. Eleazer P., b. Feb. 15, 1852; unmarried.
3. Edward K., b. Sep. 9, 1824; married Oct. 29,
1848, to Arvilla Caswell, (see Caswell family)
and settled in town as farmer. Mr. Whitney
is one of our most successful and progressive
agriculturalists. He has engaged largelj^ in stock-raising
and fruit growing, and takes an active position in all ag-
ricultural, educational, i^olitical and religious movements;
he is well informed on general topics, and is an honora-
ble and highly respected citizen. Children, foiir in num-
ber, as follows :
i. Edward, b. Aug. 19, 1851 ; unmarried.
ii. Harrison, b. Oct. 15, 1858 ; unmarried.
iii. Fairfield, b. Feb. 20, 1862 ; unmarried.
WHITKEY FAMILY.
137
iv. Mary b. April 28, 1866 j unmarried.
4. George F., b. June 12, 1826 ; m. Nov. 16, 1848,
to Mary A. Bailey, of Harrison, and is now
living on the farm where his great-grand -father
first settled, in this town. Children, three in
number, as follows :
1. George F., b. Sept. 24, 1850 ; m. and resides in
town.
ii. Frank H., b. May 30, 1852 ; m. and resides in
town.
iii. Mary E., b. Aug. 15, 1855.
5. Eleazer K., born May 13, 1828 ; married Jan.
6, 1867, Mrs. Olive Green (daughter of Stephen
Tibbetts, of Harrison) and worked at the vil-
lage as shoe-maker. He now lives on the
Pond Eoad . Only child, Earnest F., born July
17, 1867.
6. William L., born June 12, 1832 ; married July
3, 1854, to Maria Simpson, of Cambridgeport,
Mass., where he now resides. Children as fol-
lows ; Lizzie U., born Aug. 2, 1866, and one
that died in infancy.
7. Mary E., born Jan. 25, 1836 ; married Oct. 10,
1866, John H. Caswell, of Bridgton.
8. Irene I., b. in Springfield, July 29, 1838 j died
May 6, 1846.
iv. Eunice, daughter of Enoch, b. in Gorham, May
30, 1807 , married March 4, 1824, Simon New-
comb, of Buxton, and had issue. Died Aug.
29, 1856.
V. Eleazer, b. in Gorham, about 1809, died at sea
in 1829 ; unmarried.
tI. William, b. in Harrison (date unknown) ; mar-
ried Agnes Smith, of Lee, where he lived till
his death. He had three sons and one daugh-
ter.
vii. John, son of Enoch, b. in Harrison, and died
young.
138
HAEEISO^^^, MAINE.
viii. Eli, sou of Euocli, was Ihiiig only a few years
ago, in this state, but I have no data.
2. Moses Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrison.
3. EiCHARD Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrisoa.
4. Samuel Whitney, was a son of Moses, of Harrison.
5. Molly Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison ;
married to Lemuel Bounds, and emigrated to Ohio^
about 1800.
6. Betsey Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison,
married to Jonas Gates, and emigrated to New
York State.
7. Lucy Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison,
married John Greenlaw, of Brownfield.
8. Susanna Whitney, daughter of Moses, of Harrison, •
married Seth Carsley, 1st, (see Carsley family) of
this town.
9. Sally Whitney, daughter of Moses, married Bev.
Joseph Phinney, (see Phinney family) of Harrison.
9782
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